Michelangelo's Pieta Commemorative Mass

     Bishop Alemany welcomes a recreation of the internationally and historically renowned sculpture, Pieta. The original Pieta was completed in 1499 by Michelangelo and is prominently displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. Cognizant that the opportunity to witness the sculpture was rare, The Vatican approved the creation of a mold of the original Pieta to allow scores more to appreciate the magnum opus. Arte Divine and The Vatican Observatory Foundation were tasked with the replication of the masterpiece. Headed by Arte Divine’s president, David Newren, and funded by entrepreneurs Richard G. Stewart and Esther Fresquez Stewart, Arte Divine constructed over 100  replicas using the aforementioned molds.

     Bishop Alemany’s new principal, David Chambers, said “What a blessing to have one of the most magnificent art pieces in history come to our chapel, when I first heard it, I couldn’t believe it”  when he was asked his opinion on the arrival of the tour de force. The work of art is the fruition of the laborious efforts of master artisans and is a blessing not only for Alemany, but for the entire community as well. These artisans worked arduously so that every detail of the original Pieta was captured and emulated exactly. Thanks to the work of Newren and the contributions by the Stewarts, the Pieta will be available to view permanently in communities all over the world, including Bishop Alemany.

     Although some replicas were acquired by private collectors, one replica will find its permanent home in Bishop Alemany’s own chapel. On December 14th at 4pm, a Mass led by Bishop Jerald Wilkerson will be held to commemorate the arrival of the limited edition sculpture. Family and friends of Bishop Alemany are welcome to attend the inauguration of the sculpture in its new residency.