Golconda, Illinois: Lightning Rod Jesus (Gone)
A 35-foot-tall bronze of Jesus holding a lamb. Very prominent lightning rod protrudes from the statue's neck. The property was sold and the statue vanished some time in 2023.
San Damiano Retreat Center
- Directions:
- San Damiano Retreat Center. Two miles south of intersection of Hwys 146 and 34. Large sign visible. Drive south as far as you can then walk the rest of the way to the statue.
- Hours:
- Oct. 2023: reported gone.
- Status:
- Gone
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We had first visited the San Damiano Retreat Center in 2004 and have revisited a number of times, most recently in October 2023. So much had changed. We were shocked to see that the 35-foot-tall statue of Christ the Good Shepherd was gone; only the base remained. While the location overlooking the Ohio River is beautiful, the grounds are not being maintained, and the exterior of most of the cabins were dirty and in need of refurbishing. I have read that the property is up for sale.
[Katherine, 10/20/2023]
San Damiano Jesus is still standing tall, close to the banks of the Ohio River!
[Mark, 06/28/2019]The beautiful bronze 35 ft statue of the Good Shepherd at the San Damiano Retreat Center was the highlight of my trip. I sincerely felt peace, and His comfort in His smile. May all the "lost sheep" return to Him.
I hope to return soon to this peaceful retreat center.
[Donna, 07/28/2009]
At this San Damiano place, they have a huge statue of Jesus and he looks a little scary. His feet are huge and there's a lightning rod very obviously sticking out of the back of his neck. It was surprising to top the hill and see a huge (not so pretty) Jesus statue.
[Kendra, 09/15/2003]Yes, we like the lightning rod. The Shrine of Christ the Good Shepherd is a 35-ft. tall bronze of Christ holding a lamb, visible from the Ohio River. June 2019: Photo added.
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The statue was still standing a year ago, but the property had been for sale for several years.