ROSSFORD—A plaque was recently installed near the statue of the Holy Family at Rossford All Saints.

This plaque sets forth the concept the sculptor had in mind when he carved that 80 percent-of- life-size family group.

Before beginning the carving, the artist, Mike Kapetan of Ann Arbor, met with the Parish Arts & Furnishings Committee to understand and flesh out the unique presentation the committee had in mind. That concept was to portray Mary and Joseph as they watch a young Jesus begin the journey that ultimately takes him to the cross.

It was felt this scene would be very meaningful to the families in the parish who have already or will someday experience a child leaving home to venture into adult life.

Mr. Kapitan captured that concept in the words on the plaque that read:

First Farewell
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Hand-chosen by God to redeem mankind.
The Son begotten of the Father before all ages.
The Mother of God blessed among women.
The betrothed father called to his mission by an angel.

The Holy Family,
Set apart from all others for all time.
Breathtakingly extraordinary and yet
also somehow perfectly familiar.
Acting a scene enacted and reenacted
endlessly through the ages —
Forever before and forever hence.
Parents bid their child his first farewell.

Shoulders squared, face forward, step springing,
Young Jesus takes the first small measure of his path.
Gently embracing, standing steadfastly
behind him, alone together,
Mary and Joseph let him go on his way.
The final moments of raising a child.
The first moments of becoming adult.
The end of the long years through infancy ‘til now.

Like families everywhere,
All parents witness to their children’s lives.
All children attest to their parents’ lives.
Leaving the kinship of family.
Joining the kinship of humanity.
The Holy Family.
Brilliant mirror reflecting and magnifying
the holiness of family.

The verse greatly enhances the impact of this remarkable piece of art. It helps all viewers understand and appreciate the concept behind the statue. Parishioner Joe Kraus designed and effected the plaque and parishioners Silvio Valuscek and Craig Billmaier helped with the installation.