On the morning of November 3rd, a project that has been in the works for some time came to completion as Good Counsel’s campus grotto received its centerpiece: a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Good Counsel herself.

Tim Schmalz, the creator of the piece, is an Ontario-based sculptor best known for his religious statues. His most famous piece, entitled Homeless Jesus, depicts Jesus lying down on a park bench, huddled under blankets. Homeless Jesus has been displayed in venues as prominent as St. Peter’s Basilica. This kind of artistic achievement made Mr. Schmalz an ideal candidate for Good Counsel’s commission.

The only issues with the project arose from the distance between Olney, Maryland and St. Jacobs, Ontario. The completion scheduled for late August had to be postponed as transportation became a difficulty. For months, the stone arch near Good Counsel’s stadium stood, clean and bare, with waiting stone arms outstretched, but to no avail.

Finally, Our Lady arrived, and GC students assisted with installing the statue during the first week of November. She stands with Jesus in her arms, holding an unfurling scroll of biblical images that flows across a “wooden” table. Five seats surround the table, inviting Good Counsel passers-by to sit, have a quiet moment, and reflect.

GC students, faculty, staff, parents, whoever you may be, if you have a few extra minutes, please consider visiting the finished grotto. Whether alone or with friends, we can all be inspired by our newest symbol of faith and community, finally complete after so much difficulty.