Dedication of Sculpture at California State Capitol Park
On September 29, the Sisters of Mercy came full circle on the grounds of Capitol Park. Over 1200 people gathered to witness the unveiling of a commemorative sculpture in honor of the Sisters of Mercy’s 150th anniversary.
One hundred fifty years ago, Mary Baptist Russell located what she believed was the perfect site and purchased land in the heart of the city to build a school. The Sisters of Mercy owned this land until the Capitol Bill was passed in 1860 designating these grounds as the site for a new capitol building. The Sisters sold the property to the state for its original price of $4,850.
Today, the Sisters of Mercy are grateful that the State of California has allowed them to “reclaim” a small portion of the land so that the legacy of a very special pioneer woman – Mary Baptist Russell - can be remembered. Mary Baptist Russell, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy in California, committed her life to responding to the changing needs of time.
The sculpture, designed and created by artist, Ruth Coelho, consists of five figures as pictured here. Ruth describes her experience with the Sisters’ commemorative sculpture as “the most challenging and rewarding work I have created as a sculptor. My hope is to inspire people to ask the question, ‘What is this story about?’ I believe the Sisters deserve to have their story told because their selfless service to those most in need is an inspiration to us all and provides hope and belief that goodness can prevail if we act to help others.”
This beautiful sculpture is an honor not just for the Sisters of Mercy but for all those who have been part of the tremendous Mercy journey in the past 150 years.
See the Senate Concurrent Resolution 99 to learn more about the approval of the construction of the sculpture.
