For decades, the cross had been on the roof of the Bon Secours Hospital, subsequently Holy Family Hospital, in Methuen, Massachusetts. When the hospital changed hands and became part of a for-profit system, the cross went into storage. Its new home is at the site of the former Immaculate Conception church on the Mary Immaculate campus.
Joseph Bourque, president of The Guild at Mary Immaculate, said in a press release that the illuminated cross had "served as a beacon of light emanating a sense of peace, hope, love and caring for all who witnessed it glowing brightly in the night sky."
The guild accepts philanthropic gifts in support of Mary Immaculate, which is part of Covenant Health. The senior care ministry provides skilled and rehabilitative care, housing and spiritual support for older adults. A family's donation to The Guild covered the cost of installing the cross and for the beacon's illumination.
To recognize the spiritual significance the iconic cross has had on regional healthcare over the years, Vicar General and Regional Bishop Robert F. Hennessey of the Merrimack Region of the Archdiocese of Boston bestowed a blessing in early June at the new site of the cross.
"Let us venerate the cross in God's plan, remember Jesus' sacrifice for the Church and grasp the mystery of the cross," Bishop Hennessey said. "May we spirit our cross on our journey through Christ our Lord. May our sins be nailed to His cross and may the cross be our comfort on the journey."