NEW YORK — New York’s landmark St. Patrick’s Cathedral has unveiled a monumental mural celebrating the city's immigrant heritage. The stunning 25-foot artwork gracing the entrance of the cathedral portrays everyday immigrants and notable historical figures, symbolizing unity amidst a heightened federal crackdown on immigration that has polarized communities nationwide.
Rev. Enrique Salvo, rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral, emphasized that while the mural was not designed as a political commentary, it embodies a message of love and welcome for all visitors. 'We want anyone that comes in to feel loved and welcomed,' said Salvo, an immigrant from Nicaragua. 'It’s a reminder that it doesn’t matter what’s happening ... politically. We have to treat everyone with love and respect.'
The mural, titled What’s So Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding, not only brightens the cathedral's entryway for its six million annual visitors but also aims to transform a previously drab area into a vibrant space. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York who commissioned the mural, remarked on the need for the new artwork to spark it up and get some illumination.
Local artist Adam Cvijanovic's mural honors Irish immigrants, featuring representations of their contributions to the cathedral’s construction, including scenes of Irish arrival and the Apparition at Knock, significant in Catholic lore. It also pays tribute to contemporary immigrants and influential figures like journalist Dorothy Day, philanthropist Pierre Toussaint, and Alfred E. Smith, the first Roman Catholic presidential nominee. Cvijanovic noted the importance of including Native Americans, highlighting St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, within the mural's narrative.
Cardinal Dolan praised Cvijanovic’s work, describing it as 'an effusive ode to the greatness of this city and those who came here, and those who have turned into their leaders.'
Rev. Enrique Salvo, rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral, emphasized that while the mural was not designed as a political commentary, it embodies a message of love and welcome for all visitors. 'We want anyone that comes in to feel loved and welcomed,' said Salvo, an immigrant from Nicaragua. 'It’s a reminder that it doesn’t matter what’s happening ... politically. We have to treat everyone with love and respect.'
The mural, titled What’s So Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding, not only brightens the cathedral's entryway for its six million annual visitors but also aims to transform a previously drab area into a vibrant space. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the archbishop of New York who commissioned the mural, remarked on the need for the new artwork to spark it up and get some illumination.
Local artist Adam Cvijanovic's mural honors Irish immigrants, featuring representations of their contributions to the cathedral’s construction, including scenes of Irish arrival and the Apparition at Knock, significant in Catholic lore. It also pays tribute to contemporary immigrants and influential figures like journalist Dorothy Day, philanthropist Pierre Toussaint, and Alfred E. Smith, the first Roman Catholic presidential nominee. Cvijanovic noted the importance of including Native Americans, highlighting St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the first Native American saint, within the mural's narrative.
Cardinal Dolan praised Cvijanovic’s work, describing it as 'an effusive ode to the greatness of this city and those who came here, and those who have turned into their leaders.'
