New York – New York’s iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral unveils a huge new mural commemorating the city’s immigration.
Across the entrance to the Manhattan landmark, the daily immigrants and 25-foot-tall artwork of famous historical figures is amid the federal crackdown on immigrants, which has divided many communities across the country.
Pastor Enrique Salvo, principal of the Roman Catholic Church, said the work was not used as a political message, but it still conveyed a message.
“We hope anyone will feel loved and welcomed,” said Salvo, an immigrant from Nicaragua. “It’s a reminder that it doesn’t matter what happens politically. We have to treat everyone with love and respect.”
New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the work, titled “Funny for Peace, Love and Understanding,” also brightened the space for the 6 million visitors to the church.
“It’s very monotonous,” Doran told reporters at the old entrance Thursday before the official unveiling of the mural at Sunday Mass. So we think at least we need to inspire it and get some lighting. ”
The mural is part of local artist Adam Cvijanovic, with some honors contributing to the architecture of the cathedral. A section depicts a knock-on phantom, according to Catholic legend, Saints Mary, Joseph and John Evangelists appeared to be natives of Irish villages in 1879 – the same year Dolan noted that the cathedral opened its doors. Elsewhere, Irish immigrants were seen arriving on board.
Other scenes show modern immigrants along with famous local figures, including journalist and social activist Dorothy Day, Pierre Toussaint, a former slave of Haiti who became the city’s leading philanthropist, former New York State Government Alfred E.
Cvijanovic said that for him, the work representing Native Americans was also important to him, featuring St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint in the United States.
Dolan praised the painter for creating what he called “an ode to the greatness of the city and the people who came here, and those who became leaders.”
