Katie Diary: The Statue of the Sacred Heart

In June 2023, the sculpture on St. Kate's campus turned 100 years old.
1923 photo of the Statue of the Sacred Heart commemoration

By Kendall Graham. From the .

This past June marked the centennial anniversary of not only Reunion, but also the iconic Statue of the Sacred Heart, located at the head of the drive from Cleveland Avenue to Derham. On June 9, 1923, St. Kate’s welcomed graduates back to campus for the very first alumnae homecoming and commemorated the event with a dedication of the statue, a gift from the alumnae association.

Katies and CSJs processed to  the statue for the ceremonial blessing, accompanied by a performance by the Minnesota State Band. For a century, the statue has been a landmark at festivities, from May Fete parades and Eucharistic Day processions to Commencement receptions and Reunion — a familiar sight and testament to 100 years of St. Kate’s memories.