A delicate restoration project on a beloved statue of Saint Monica at Cairns Cathedral is now complete, thanks to the careful work of Kathy Evans, a dedicated artist. The statue, which had suffered from significant wear and damage over the years, has been lovingly restored to its former glory.
Kathy shared insights into the state of the statue when she first received it. "The statue had a lot of splitting and flaking paint, with several chipped areas," she explained. "There was also major cracking on the hands, particularly around the pendant she’s holding, which had chunks missing on both sides. These areas needed to be rebuilt."
The restoration process involved reinforcing the statue with steel inside and applying layers of plaster to repair the damaged areas. The colour scheme was also updated with great sensitivity to the original design and the expectations of the parish community. "She was very dark before, so I wanted to lighten her up while keeping the same family of colours," Kathy said. "I didn’t want to change her too much, just to bring her colours up so they’re more reflective."
One of the more significant changes was to the pedestal. Originally a dark brown block, Kathy decided to enhance it with a touch of gold. "It lifts her up and makes her more shiny. It also balances nicely with the gold sash she’s wearing."
St Monica work in progress stage 1
The statue holds special significance, not only for its historical beauty but also for what St. Monica represents. Known as the patron saint of mothers, St. Monica is remembered for her devout prayers and tireless efforts to bring her son, Saint Augustine, back to the Christian faith during his years of rebellion. The inscription on the pendant she holds reads, "Tolle, Fili, Lege", which translates to "Take up, my son, and read." These are the words St Monica's son Augustine heard during his conversion, prompting him to pick up the Bible, which ultimately led to his transformation and sainthood. This message is a powerful reminder of Monica’s unwavering faith and her role in guiding Augustine back to the path of righteousness.
Kathy’s dedication to the project was evident in her research, which focused on the history and significance of Saint Monica. "I wanted to know the story behind her and what her role was. She was deeply passionate about her faith and was determined to bring her wayward son back into the fold, which she succeeded in doing. She’s now the saint for mothers, and that definitely influenced how I approached this project."
Despite the technical nature of the repairs, Kathy emphasised the personal connection she developed with the statue. "You get very close to what you're working on. It becomes intimate. I spent a lot of hours with Monica, so I’ll probably feel a bit sad to see her go."
St Monica work in progress stage 2
The restoration has taken longer than initially expected, partly due to a medical condition Kathy has been managing. Despite her health challenges, she remained committed to completing the work. "I’ve been at the hospital three days a week, and it’s been tough, but I kept going with the restoration."
With the restoration now complete, the statue of St. Monica has been returned to its rightful place in the Cathedral of St. Monica’s War Memorial in Cairns. Parishioners and visitors can once again admire the statue, now beautifully restored with enhanced colours and intricate details. Kathy hopes the restored statue will inspire all who see it. "She has a beautiful, compassionate face, and I’m thrilled to see her displayed again with light accentuating her features, giving her an uplifting, compassionate presence." The statue, with its symbolic message, stands as a powerful reminder of St. Monica’s devotion and strength, offering comfort and inspiration, especially to mothers who seek her guidance.