Cathedral Statuary
Pieta
The pieta, the sculpture of Mary grieving over the dead body of Jesus, is one of the most striking and poignant statues in the Cathedral. The sculpture reminds us of Christ’s love for us and is strategically locted near the baptistry and gathering space. The pieta rests on a specially designed green granite pedestal.
Blessed Mother
Set on a green marble pedestal on the left side of the sanctuary, the white carrara marble stature of the Blessed Mother and Child acknowledges the importance of Mary as the Mother of Christ and the Church. The statue is carved in the strong and stately character of Mirello’s mural of the Assumption of Mary and is placed so the stained-glass windows can reflect dazzling color on the marble’s soft white surface. The Shrine of Mary is beautifully framed by the original niche and arch located here, which had been originally closed over in the 1950s.
Shrine of Saint Joseph
Originally, the white carrara marble scupture of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the Universal Church, was located at the back of the sanctuary and could be viewed only from a distance. During the most recent renovations of the Cathedral the statue was relocated to a elegantly restored niche in the south trancept. The marble from the old side altars was rebuilt and now forms a base for the statue.
Sacred Heart Shrine
The Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus shows Christ’s love and compassion for his people. The statue is carved in white carrara marble and is located in the north trancept. It stands on a marble based created from the old side altars.