A dedication and blessing of USF's new statue of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, the 28th Jesuit superior general, is March 21. Photo by Kathleen de Lara.
A one-ton granite statue of Pedro Arrupe, S.J., the 28th superior general of the Society of Jesus, was hoisted into place outside University Ministry March 14, using a mobile crane.
The statue commemorates Fr. Arrupe's commitment to educating students to be men and women for others and to instilling in them a sense of faith that does justice-core values of the University of San Francisco.
A public dedication and blessing of the new Pedro Arrupe, S.J., statue is scheduled for March 21 from 12-1 p.m. The ceremony will be held outside the offices of University Ministry.
Commitment to social justice
The life-sized statue is based on a well-known photograph of Fr. Arrupe, kneeling in prayer. It was carved in China under the direction of Tom Lucas, S.J., university professor of Art and Architecture. It's granite base alone weighs four tons.
Fr. Arrupe served as the top Jesuit from 1965 to 1983. He is renowned for his commitment to faith and social justice. A residence hall, immersion program, living-learning community, and social justice program bear his name at USF.
The installation comes just before USF kicks off Pedro Arrupe Week, March 20-24, honoring the Jesuit's passion for social justice. A blessing of the statue will be held March 21.
