Conexión San Angelo newsroom, Jim Sánchez
The Lady in Blue sculpture designed by Vic Payne, and surrounding property was showcased to the community at a 10 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
SAN ANGELO –After the Lady in Blue statue was dedicated in 2018, this past Saturday, August 12, 2023 the final phase took place as an official 10 a.m. unveiling ceremony took place at 141 E. Concho.
Originally the Lady sculpture with a Jumano child and Jumano chief, Tuerto designed by Vic Payne, were the only early pieces in place. Later additional new ones were added: a wall, water fountain and painted pictographs. The Passion Project area was honored, that is gifted by the City of San Angelo stated Chair-person from the San Angelo Historic Beginnings Committee -- Cindy Seidel. A second Chair-person, Elizabeth Flores, Living History Coordinator, and daughter, Harley who was appointed an honorary Jumano were both outfitted in Jumano apparel.
Seidel acknowledged and honored Tilly Chandler who was the driving force in recognizing the story of the Jumanos and the Lady in Blue whose name was Maria de Jesus de Ágreda.
“This is both a people of faith and people in roles of respectful and mutual responsibility partnership for our city,” said Michael Sis, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo.
“We are blessed to live in a community in west Texas to stand up for what we believe in, to celebrate and continue to honor all things that make us great on God’s earth” Mayor Brenda Gunter said.