War Memorial and the Statue of Saint Francis

After the war, the Holy Name Society, under the direction of Father Maguire, erected a white marble statue of St. Francis in honor of the men and women of the parish who served in both World Wars, and as a special tribute to those who died during World War II. It was decided on Sunday, June 13, 1948 (rededicated, October 1982) with impressive ceremonies attended by over two thousand people. After a parade from Catholic High led by the color guard of the Patrick W. Milano Detachment, Marine Corps League, and the military band of Steelton Post No. 710, VFW, a dedicatory address was delivered by Reverend Charles F. Murray, pastor, St. Catherine Labouré Parish, who served as chaplain in the Navy Air Corps during World War II. The blessing of the shrine and prayers for the thirteen deceased parishioners was given by Father Maguire. The bronze plaque on the pedestal reads:

This Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi dedicated to the memory of

John B. Durburow, Paul J. Durburow, Louis A. Harle, Jr., Cyril J. Konesny, Richard T. McLaughlin, Robert E. McCarthy, Richard M. Cullison, Michael A. Ricciuto, Adam Santoni, Charles R. Schlayer, Russell J. Shott, Patrick W. Milano, Arnold Dinini,

who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II, and to honor all members of this parish who served in the Armed Forces in World Wars I and II.

Pax et bonum 100th Anniversary

Angela M. Orsini – Parish Archivist