NEW YORK (Echosphere) — A monumental new mural has been unveiled at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral, celebrating the city's rich immigrant heritage. Standing 25 feet tall, the artwork honors both everyday migrants and notable historical figures in a vibrant display that adorns the cathedral's entryway.
This initiative comes at a time of intensified federal immigration policies, which have sparked division across communities nationwide. However, Rev. Enrique Salvo, the cathedral's rector and a Nicaraguan immigrant himself, emphasizes that the mural is meant to convey a message of warmth and acceptance. “We want anyone that comes in to feel loved and welcomed,” Salvo proclaimed. “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 aims to uplift the spirits of the 6 million annual visitors but also serves to beautify a previously drab entryway, as noted by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York who commissioned the artwork.
Created by local artist Adam Cvijanovic, the mural illustrates the contributions of Irish immigrants to the cathedral’s construction, including depictions of key moments in Irish history, such as the Apparition at Knock, which resonates deeply with Catholic lore. Additional sections highlight contemporary migrants alongside influential figures like journalist Dorothy Day and philanthropist Pierre Toussaint.
In a nod to the city’s original inhabitants, Cvijanovic ensured that Native Americans are represented within the mural, 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.”
