Rohn Design Crafts Exquisite Statue of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

A life-size statue of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen has arrived at the Spalding Pastoral Center in the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois. This impressive artwork, commissioned by the Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation and designed by Rohn & Associates Custom Studio, is one of only two such statues of the Archbishop in the United States.

Inspired by the artwork of Francesco Mori, the statue was developed for St. Mary's Cathedral in concert with the renowned Mellini Art Glass and Mosaic studio of Florence, Italy. "It was a great honor for us to receive the commission to create a statue that artistically radiates the heroic virtues of Archbishop Sheen, whose beatification process could soon advance," said Rolf Rohn, Principal of Rohn & Associates Design, Inc.

The project took shape through close collaboration between Rolf and Monsignor Stanley L. Deptula, Executive Director of the Archbishop Sheen Foundation. Their meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the image surpassed expectations, capturing the essence of Archbishop Sheen. After finalizing the design and obtaining approval, the statue was expertly hand-carved and detailed in Italy.

Archbishop Sheen was a pioneering figure in media and news, celebrated for his wit, religious insights, and moral philosophy. The 5'6" linden-carved replica faithfully reflects his likeness and embodies his ideals. Clad in a dignified cassock with red buttons and piping, a magenta ferraiolo (cape), and a zucchetto (hat), he is depicted holding an open book inscribed with his famous phrase, "God love you."

Rolf, with his longstanding relationship with the Archbishop Sheen Foundation, also played a key role in the master plan for renovating the Cathedral. This included interior views for the shrine, the design of the rosary garden, and an initial model for an exterior bronze statue commemorating the visit of Pope St. John Paul II. The statue of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen now stands as another proud addition to the Diocese of Peoria's cultural and spiritual heritage.