Michelangelo Buenarroti’s “La Pieta” is one of the world’s most recognized works of art, a sculpture that beautifully portrays the scene of faith and sorrow – that of the battered body of Jesus Christ cradled in the loving arms of the Virgin Mary. It is a poignant reminder of the great sacrifice both the Mother and the Son so willingly endured for the salvation of man.
The original work of art, made from Carrara marble, is reverently enshrined at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. A mold was later produced from the original and was kept at the Museum of Casa Buonarroti in Florence, Italy. This mold was used to create the replica now located at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina, Philippines. This, too, was made of the same material from the same quarry, as the original.
Today, the Manila Cathedral- Basilica, whose thrust is to preserve the historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of Filipino Catholics, holds the distinction of having acquired an exact copy of this legendary work of art.
This “La Pieta” at the Manila Cathedral reflects the Filipino Catholics’ strong affinity to Jesus and Mary’s sacrificial love of mankind. His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, officially unveiled and blessed this “La Pieta” on 27 September 2009 in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul, the Patron Saint of Charitable Societies.
