Donation made in memory of Doris Madigan
Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
August 27, 2010
St. Vincent Hospital on Tuesday held a special blessing for its new San Damiano Crucifix, which tells the story of Jesus through painted icons.
Purchase of the crucifix was made possible through a donation from Green Bay resident James Madigan, who co-founded FEECO International with his wife, Doris. James Madigan made the donation in memory of his wife, who died in 2009, according to St. Vincent.
Doris Madigan was a devout Catholic who was devoted to the work of St. Vincent Hospital, as well as numerous church-related organizations. She and James Madigan co-founded FEECO International Inc. in 1951, and she served as secretary of its board for 40 years. The Madigans had four children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The 6-foot, 9-inch tall St. Vincent San Damiano Crucifix is based on an original created by an unknown Syrian monk in the 1100s. Since most people could not read, the crucifix was designed to teach religious truths through pictures, according to a history provided by St. Vincent.
The original crucifix is 7 feet high and 4 feet wide, and is venerated in the Basilica of St. Clare in Assisi, Italy. The San Damiano Crucifix held a special place in the spiritual lives of St. Francis and St. Clare, according to the hospital.
Tuesday’s blessing included introductory rites, a telling of the story of the crucifix, music and prayers. St. Vincent’s San Damiano Crucifix was created for the hospital by Sister Roberta Cusack, a Roman Catholic Franciscan Sister who lives in St. Louis.