The statue of Jesus that was vandalized in July will have new hands thanks to the local masonry restoration firm of Mariani and Richards. Dedication on Thursday, November 2.
| Marketing and Communications | For Immediate Release |
| Drew Wilson, Director, Media Relations | October 31, 2017 |
| 412.578.2095 (phone) | |
| 412.260.6807 (cell) | |
| 412.578.2080 (fax) | |
| agwilson@carlow.edu |
Vandalized Statue Will Have New Hands Thanks to Mariani and Richards
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Carlow University will have an unveiling of the repaired statue of Jesus, located near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Robinson Street, on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 11 a.m., when there will be a blessing ceremony.
In July, the statue of Jesus was discovered to have been vandalized and its hands were missing. The hands were restored thanks to the generous efforts of the western Pennsylvania masonry restoration company, Mariani and Richards. The company completed the work – at no charge to Carlow – in memory of Josephine Corrado Mariani, a member of the class of 1938 at Carlow University (then known as Mount Mercy College) and, along with her late husband, one of the founders of Mariani and Richards in 1950. Andrea Mariani Freeborough, Josephine’s daughter, is one of the owners of the firm, along with her husband, Ronald Freeborough.
There will be a blessing ceremony, officiated by Carlow’s chaplain, Father Adam Verona, at 11 a.m. Carlow University President Suzanne K. Mellon, PhD, and Ronald and Andrea Freeborough will be present at the ceremony, and will be available to speak with the news media.
The statue stands overlooking Fifth Avenue near Carlow’s St. Agnes Center (the former St. Agnes Catholic Church), near the intersection with Robinson Street in the West Oakland neighborhood. The statue was vandalized sometime between the end of the academic year in May and when the vandalism was noticed in July. Surveillance video of the area did not provide any clues to who might have damaged the statue.
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Editor’s Note: Members of the news media are welcome to attend the ceremony and speak with representatives of Carlow University and Mariani and Richards. The most convenient place to park will likely be on Robinson Street. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Drew Wilson on his cell phone at (412) 260-6807.
About Carlow University
Carlow is a private, co-educational, Catholic university located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s “Eds, Meds, and Tech” district. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Carlow’s graduates, curricula, and partnerships reflect its strong commitment to social justice; ethical, forward-thinking and responsible leadership; and service to the community that has a meaningful impact. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in three colleges: Health and Wellness, Leadership and Social Change, and Learning and Innovation. Carlow graduates are in demand for their professional expertise, in fields ranging from nursing, the sciences, and perfusion technology to counseling, education, and forensic accounting; their entrepreneurial spirit and creative mindset; and their ability to manage change. Carlow’s 13 athletic teams are known as the Celtics, a reflection of the university’s Irish heritage and roots.