World-renowned sculptor John M. Soderberg, PhD, locally known for his prominent bronze works at the Christ Cathedral (formerly Crystal Cathedral), unveiled an 1,800 pound bronze sculpture near the entrance of St. Joseph Health – St. Joseph Hospital in Orange on Thursday. The sculpture, entitled "Christ the Healer," was commissioned and donated by Evelyn Wilden Freed and Dr. Frank Holston Freed.

"Christ the Healer is suited for the hospital," said Evelyn Wilden Freed, who donated the statue along with her husband, Dr. Frank Holston Freed. "Faith is so important in the healing process and I hope the statue will give hope and comfort to the patients."

"This statue is a wonderful representation of who we are and our commitment to serving our dear neighbors," said St. Joseph Hospital President and CEO Steve Moreau. "I'm very proud that the Christ the Healer statue is one of the first images our patients and their families will see as they arrive at our hospital."

The unveiling was attended by the artist and donors, in addition to St. Joseph Hospital physicians, staff and friends.

"I am honored to have worked on this monument for St. Joseph Hospital, especially as I have found the patron, Evelyn Freed, to be one of the finest people I have met," Soderberg said.

About St. Joseph Health – St. Joseph Hospital Founded in 1929, St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, is a nationally recognized, 525-bed, not-for-profit Catholic hospital dedicated to extending the healing ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission and designated as a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, St. Joseph Hospital's reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate, family-centered care draws patients from all over the United States. This is one reason why St. Joseph Hospital was named one of the top 10 hospitals in the Los Angeles/Orange County area by U.S. News & World Report. With a highly recognized 1,000-member medical staff and more than 3,800 support staff, St. Joseph Hospital is home to more than 75 specialty programs, including The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, the Heart and Vascular Center and a nationally acclaimed Orthopedics program that has been ranked among the top 50 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Equally important is St. Joseph Hospital's dedication to caring for the medically underserved through health education programs, a free-standing medical and dental clinic, and mobile health vans. St. Joseph Hospital depends on philanthropic support from the community to carry out its mission. These efforts are coordinated through the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation.