West Bend, Wi – A new Guardian Angel statue now welcomes students, families and visitors to Holy Angels School, thanks to a donation from the Suzanne and Herb Tennies family, a fifth-generation family at the school in West Bend, WI.
The statue, made in Italy specifically for Holy Angels, was unveiled and blessed during a dedication ceremony attended by members of the school and parish community.
Michelle Spaeth welcomed those gathered for the ceremony and recognized the Tennies family’s long history with Holy Angels. Suzanne Tennies attended the school, as did her husband Herb. Their children, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren have continued the family tradition.
The idea for the statue began when school and parish representatives discussed revitalizing the gardens near the school entrance.
Initially, the group considered a statue of the Virgin Mary before realizing an angel would be a more fitting choice.
“And then we said, ‘Silly us, it’s called Holy Angel School, so how about an angel?’” said Linda Bremberger, who helped initiate the idea.
The cost was more than anticipated, so information about the project was placed in the church bulletin seeking support. The Tennies family stepped forward to cover the entire cost.
Rev. Russ led the blessing, offering a prayer that those who use the statue as a symbol of their faith and devotion would strive to be transformed into the likeness of Christ with the help of their guardian angels.
Suzanne Tennies said she was quick to respond when she learned the school was seeking a sponsor.
“I called right away and said we can do that because we are thankful for the education that five generations of our family have had going to Holy Angels – it’s the best school in town,” Tennies said.
For principal Spaeth, the moment was emotional. “We’re a school that’s really deeply rooted in tradition and we have a lot of multi-generation families who have gone through this school and love the school and parish.”
Having a Guardian Angel at the entrance is especially meaningful, Spaeth said, because it serves as a reminder of the care and protection the school hopes to provide its children.
The area around the statue may also have another purpose in the future.
“We want to make this an outdoor classroom and evenutally a prayer space,” Spaeth said.
The statue is located just to the north of the entrance at 230 N. Eighth Avenue. Suzanne Tennies was joined by the fifth generation of family to attend the school, Arianna and Madelyn, helped unveil the statue. The angel is named Ariel.
