New York State will commit up to $750,000 for the new statue honoring Mother Cabrini; Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio appointed as one of 19 committee members overseeing the creation of the Italian saint’s statue

 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Oct. 24 that the funding and construction of a New York City statue honoring St. Frances Xavier Cabrini will be overseen by a new 19-member committee which includes Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and other members from the Diocese of Brooklyn including John Heyer of the Diocese of Brooklyn Italian Apostolate and pastoral associate of Sacred Hearts – St. Stephen parish in Carroll Gardens; and Joseph Sciame, former board member of the Futures in Education Foundation and current president of the Sons of Italy Foundation.

Bishop DiMarzio told the governor’s office that he was grateful for Cuomo’s steadfast commitment to seeing Mother Cabrini honored with a statue recognizing her life’s work in New York City. He added that he accepted the responsibility that the governor has charged him with to lead this commission.

“I look forward to creating a lasting tribute to the patron saint of immigrants so that her legacy will live on forever,” he said.

Funding for the project will include up to $750,000 coming from New York State, according to the governor’s press office. The directions the committee will provide include recommendations pertaining to the design, location and installation of the new memorial.

The 19 members will reach out to the art community “as soon as possible” to contact art institutions, artists and organizations that will oversee the design. Once the design proposals are reviewed by the members, they will select finalists and present them to Gov. Cuomo, who will ultimately make the final decision.

Related: Cuomo Says New York State Will Build Mother Cabrini Statue