Saint Louis University’s campus is known for its appearance. Whether that is fresh flowers in the spring or the palm trees in the summer. One major part of the campus is its large collection of statues. These statutes range from dolphins in fountains to the "good luck" Billiken to more contemporary abstract designs. There is also a large collection religious based statues. The statues of this nature show Saint Louis University's strong connection to religion. This is to be expected from a private Catholic university. This page will outline many of the religious statues that can be seen on SLU’s campus. Along with this catalogue, there are student interviews to gain perspective to how this large collection of statutes impact the Saint Louis University environment.
ca. 1900-1915. Carrara Marble. Italy. Loan of St. Francis Xavier (college) Church
St. John Berchmans and two other saints, St. Aloysius and St. Stanislaus, have been given the name "the angel Saints" and are described as exquisite flowers of dazzling purity of the Society of Jesus. St. John Berchmans was born at Diest in Brabant, March 13, 1599, and died at Rome, August 13, 1621.
His statues represent him with hands clasped, holding his crucifix, his book of rules, and his rosary. On his deathbed, St. John Berchmans kept these objects close to him. In his youth, St. John Berch mans said “If I do not become a saint when I am young, I shall never become one.”
1996. Marguerite Hall, Saint Louis University.
This statue was created in memory and to honor Mary Bruemmer. She agreed to be the director of Marguerite Hall in 1956. This was SLU’s first official residence hall for women. The statue was chosen by the students who resided in Marguerite Hall in 1995-96. They were so touched by her that they erected a statue to express their gratitude because of how good she had been to them. The statue has a plaque that speaks of how she filled the past forty years with happiness. The plaque refers to her as the “Mother.” They refer to her as Extraordinary Mary because of her accomplishments.
1956. B. T. Lukaszewski. Original to Saint Louis University, School of Commerce and Finance
This statue was created in memory of Father Joseph L. Davis, SJ. It serves the purpose to honor him because he founded the School of Commerce and Finance. Alumni chose to establish a way to always remember who created the school. Thus, leading to the statue being erected. The Blessed Virgin Mary is often viewed as pure and devout. This was chosen as a the best way to remember Father Davis because without his devotion to SLU and a passion for education, the School of Commerce and Finance would never have come about.
1953. Anonymous. Cast in bronze. Pictured in former site at Fusz Hall.
“Where the Rivers Meet” is a statue that has recently been deemed controversial on SLU’s campus. It was located outside Fusz residence hall but has been moved indoors to the Saint Louis University Museum of Art after criticism from faculty and students saying that it reinforces racism with white supremacy and religious supremacy. The statue shows a Jesuit missionary, Pierre-Jean De Smet, standing above two Native Americans. The statue looks as though the Jesuit is trying to convert the Native Americans to Christianity, and while this was part of De Smet and other Jesuits’ mission, other historical accounts show that De Smet was sympathetic towards the Native Americans and wanted to change their reputation in a positive way.
Date unknown. Artist unknown.
Saint Stanislaus Kostka was born in 1550 and died in 1568. He is the patron saint of the youth, was born into a noble Polish family, and attended the Jesuit College of Vienna. Kostka had a serious illness and had a vision that called him to join the Society of Jesus. He had several visions that came true, such as the foretelling of his own death just six days before. The Blessed Virgin Mary was able to heal him and he relied on her faithfully; however, he ended up dying at age 18.
1959. Ivan Mestrovic. Yugoslavian. Bronze and granite. Seated figure of Pope Pius XII with right hand raised in papal blessing.
The statue of Pope Pius XII dominates the Lindell Plaza entrance to the Pius XII Memorial Library.
Pope Pius XII was born Eugenio Maria Giuseppi Giovanni Pacelli on 2 March 1876 in Rome, Italy. He continued a long family tradition of service to the Vatican. As a skilled diplomat, he consistently sought peace. As a pastor, he tried to relieve the sufferings of the poor and the persecuted. Pope Pius XII considered both the blessings and the problems that radio and television brought to Catholic life. He urged priests to master the use of communication. Pope Pius XII also took time to address the world on issues regarding procreation. He repeatedly affirmed the Catholic support of the sanctity of life, rejecting therapeutic exceptions to abortion in speeches to Catholic midwives, obstetricians, and medical councils.
Date unknown. Artist unknown.
Junipero Serra was a Roman Catholic spanish priest and friar of the Franciscan Order who founded a mission in Baja California. He lived 1713-1784. During this time he was an influential part of the development of Catholicism in California. He was canonized by Pope Francis on September 23, 2015. Before this he was Beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 25, 1988. Because of his recorded acts of piety and his missionary efforts he was granted the title Apostle of California.
2000. Artist unknown. Commissioned by Patrick C. Ward.
This statue is of Saint Ignatius Loyola. The statue was commissioned by Patrick C. Ward to honor Mary A. Bruemnier in May 17, 2000. Saint Ignatius of Loyola was previously known as Inigo Lopez De Loyola. He was born in 1491 in Spain. During the Pamplona battle his right leg was shattered so this is why he is seen with a walking stick. He founded the Society of Jesus and became the first Superior General. He was beatified in 1609 and then canonized. Later he was giving the title Saint on March 12, 1622.
Interview Questions:
What do you think about the statues on campus?
What religious statue stands out the most to you? Why?
How do you feel the statues impact you and or other students?
What do you think the reason SLU has all these statues throughout campus? More specifically the religious ones?
What religious statue would you like to see on campus that isn't on campus?
WRITTEN INTERVIEWS
Interview 1 (Saint Louis University student class of 2020)
I think we have a lot of statues but a lot of people don’t really know anything about them or why they are important to SLU.
The one in the middle of the quad because it’s the most visible and you can tell that it is religious and not just a random statue.
They make me think about why they might be placed there and what it has to do with SLU but I’d like to know more about them.
I think because we are a religious school and religious figures have played a large role in founding and maintaining SLU so SLU wants to recognize them and honor them because they also share our values of Jesuit institution.
I would like a see a religious statue of maybe another religion that also shares the Jesuit core values so we can represent other similar religions that people might have but not know share the same values as the Jesuits.
Interview 2 (Saint Louis University student class of 2020)
Creepy
I don't know any of their names.
I think it's cool to have art around campus but the statues are scary at night.
Because we r a religious school
Maybe something about Easter or Christmas would be nice because those are big important religious moments?
Interview 3 (Saint Louis University student class of 2020)
I think they represent part of the school’s history and religious background.
The statue of the man between Pius and DuBourg (I think) because the location is in an important spot on campus and the statue itself looks like someone who was accomplished and important.
I think that they add to the environment on campus and especially if people know the religious/history behind the statues, they might appreciate them more.
The school is founded upon Jesuit values and the statues represent an important aspect of SLU.
I do not know.
Interview 4 (Saint Louis University student class of 2020)
I like this statue! I like how SLU has these statues everywhere—I think it adds to our campus.
The statue that stands out the most to me on campus is the one right in the middle of the quad. I think it is really nice and pretty.
I think they are a constant reminder of our faith and who we should strive to be.
Like I said earlier, I think they are a constant reminder of being good people and living a good, holy life.
I would love to see a statue (or another) of Mary.
Interview 5 (Saint Louis University student class of 2020)
The statues on campus are pretty and show how long SLU and religion has been a part of many people's lives. They act as reminders of our faith.
The statue of Mary with her hands folded stands out to me because I like the message on the plaque. It shows what is really important in life and simply shows what to be grateful for.
The statues don't always catch my eye but when they do it reminds me of my faith.
To remind students of faith and tradition in our personal lives and community.
I am content with the statues we have.
Interview 6 (Saint Louis University student class of 2020)
I think they are very nice but kind of creepy. I'm not a big statue person
The one where there's a baby and a lady. It's by the library and business school. It's super weird.
They don't really except on the PowerPoint when we had like reasons to go to slu one of the reasons was we had 37 statues or something.
We are a Jesuit school!
St. Francis of Assisi!!!
RECORDED INTERVIEWS
Saint Louis University is known for its signature statues. The statues add a unique sparkle that is hard to find on any other campus. The statues have been dedicated and erected to symbolize Saint Louis University’s past, present, and future. The statues provide us with a piece of history. They allow us to take part in celebrating the accomplishments of the most influential people that have stepped foot, and made an impact, on Saint Louis University. The interviews reflect that many students do not take the time to cherish and enjoy what really makes Saint Louis University what it is today. Meanwhile, others responded by stating that they enjoy seeing the statues and they serve as a reminder for what Saint Louis University stands for. Thus, the statues represent what Saint Louis University has been and will be, a breathtakingly intelligent and beautiful campus.
Researched and written by Cristina Esparza, Samantha Felling, Kyle McNabb, and Francis Tran.
Additional Sources:
Brind'Amour, Katherine, "Pope Pius XII (1876-1958)". Embryo Project Encyclopedia (2010-06-10). ISSN: 1940-5030 http://embryo.asu.edu/handle/10776/2005. Web. 12 Apr. 2017.
Brodrick, James. Saint Ignatius Loyola; the Pilgrim Years 1491-1538. New York, Farrar, Straus and Cudahy [1956], 1956.
Coleridge, Henry James. The Story of St. Stanislaus Kostka of the Society of Jesus. 1893. Print.
Demain, Henry. "St. John Berchmans." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 8. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910.Web. 2 Mar. 2017 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08450a.htm>.
Helm, MacKinley. Fray Junípero Serra : The Great Walker. Stanford [Calif.] Stanford University Press, 1956.
Lehner, Mathew & Kovarik, Kate. The University News. "Bold statues at Saint Louis University." 30 Mar. 2006. Web. 01 Mar. 2017.
Marchione, Margherita. Pope Pius XII: History and hagiography. Citta del Vaticano: Libreria Editrice Vaticano, 2010. Print.
National Catholic Welfare Conference. The Function of Art: Address of Pope Pius XII on Sacred Art. Washington D.C: Ransdell INC., 1960. Print.
“Saint Louis University.” Jesuit Tradition. Web. 01 Mar. 2017.
Saint Louis University Students. Personal interviews. May 2017.
Stussy, Susan A. "Pius XII." Salem Press Biographical Encyclopedia, January. Accessed February 2017.
Weiss, Paul. Religion and Art. Milwaukee: Marquette University Press, 1963. Print.