HOMETOWN - The Most Rev. John O. Barres, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, dedicated the Legacy Plaza at Marian High School on Friday prior to the Colts playing Pius X.
Cheerleaders and football players stood on the steps by the 10-foot bronze horse statue kicking into the sky as Barres spoke at the 6 p.m. dedication.
Speaking for about seven minutes, he thanked everyone who had a hand in bringing the approximately 4,000-square-foot plaza to reality.
"This plaza is just a symbol of the Marian spirit," he said after the dedication.
He went on to stay there is a "beautiful spirit" at the school.
"Anytime I come here, as soon as I step into the building, as soon as I go to an event, I just have this enormous sense of sincerity. This incredibly welcoming spirit and a beautiful experience of the Catholic faith in action," Barres said. "So to be here tonight and to be part of this kind of historic moment is just such an honor and privilege as the bishop of the Diocese of Allentown." "(It's) just a wonderful addition." said Dr. Philip Fromuth, secretary for Catholic education with the Diocese of Allentown. He said it is a "place to gather, a place to pull people together in a school day."
He added, "A lot of people made this a reality from volunteers and others. It is the spirit of Marian Catholic."
The plaza is a dedicated to Theresa Svetz and the late Joseph J. Svetz, supporters of Catholic education.
"It took over a year to plan. We started last April with the planning and construction got under way in May of this year," said Bruce Svetz, Orlando, Fla., one of the couple's seven children. "It is over 7,000 pavers. Nearly 10,000 bricks, and it included the re-fencing of the fairway."
The press box was also remodeled, he said, and the bronze horse was created by an artist in Delaware.
"We just simply wanted to give back for all the sacrifice that not only our parents made but all the parents and guardians and their children," he said.
"It was our way of showing our commitment to this school, said his sister, Terri Shickora, Hometown.
All the Svetzes' children attended Marian.
Echoing comments her brother made, Shickora said the plaza was "most importantly in appreciation for the parents who have, some who have really, sacrificed tremendously to send their kids here."
Svetz said he worked with architects in Florida and a local consultant about the project.
The plaza can be used for a variety of events during the school year. There are two separate entrances and lights in the plaza before the entrance to the Men of Marian Stadium.
The brick pavers can be engraved with proceeds benefiting the high school.