NEW YORK (RTW News) — St. Patrick's Cathedral, one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks, has unveiled a massive new mural that pays tribute to the city’s rich immigrant history. The mural, which rises 25 feet alongside the cathedral's entryway, showcases images of immigrant life and influential historical figures. Its debut comes at a time of heightened scrutiny and division regarding immigration policy across the nation.
The Rev. Enrique Salvo, the rector of the cathedral, emphasized that the mural conveys a message of acceptance rather than a political statement. ‘We want anyone that comes in to feel loved and welcomed,’ he said, pointing out the need to treat everyone with love and respect regardless of the current political climate.
Commissioned by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the mural is titled ‘What’s So Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding’ and aims to brighten the cathedral’s once drab entryway, welcoming over 6 million annual visitors. ‘It was very drab,’ Dolan stated. ‘So, we thought at least we need to spark it up and get some illumination.’
The mural by local artist Adam Cvijanovic notably commemorates Irish immigrants, including depictions of the Apparition at Knock, a significant event from 1879 that coincided with the cathedral's opening year. Scenes also include contemporary migrants alongside revered local figures such as Dorothy Day, a pivotal journalist and social activist, and Pierre Toussaint, a Haitian philanthropist.
Cvijanovic also made it a point to represent Native Americans in the artwork, featuring St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint. Cardinal Dolan praised the mural as ‘an effusive ode to the greatness of this city and those who came here, and those who have turned into their leaders.’
The Rev. Enrique Salvo, the rector of the cathedral, emphasized that the mural conveys a message of acceptance rather than a political statement. ‘We want anyone that comes in to feel loved and welcomed,’ he said, pointing out the need to treat everyone with love and respect regardless of the current political climate.
Commissioned by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the mural is titled ‘What’s So Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding’ and aims to brighten the cathedral’s once drab entryway, welcoming over 6 million annual visitors. ‘It was very drab,’ Dolan stated. ‘So, we thought at least we need to spark it up and get some illumination.’
The mural by local artist Adam Cvijanovic notably commemorates Irish immigrants, including depictions of the Apparition at Knock, a significant event from 1879 that coincided with the cathedral's opening year. Scenes also include contemporary migrants alongside revered local figures such as Dorothy Day, a pivotal journalist and social activist, and Pierre Toussaint, a Haitian philanthropist.
Cvijanovic also made it a point to represent Native Americans in the artwork, featuring St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint. Cardinal Dolan praised the mural as ‘an effusive ode to the greatness of this city and those who came here, and those who have turned into their leaders.’
