After celebrating Mass Dec. 8 on the feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Archbishop John Nienstedt blessed a replica of Michelangelo’s famous statue, the Pieta. The original Pieta sits in a side chapel inside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The replica has been on display in the Cathedral of St. Paul since Feb. 17. It was originally scheduled to be on display only through April 11, but thanks to an anonymous donor, it has become part of the Cathedral’s permanent collection. Created by Nevada-based Vescovo Buonarroti Art, the Pieta replica was intended to tour the country as the company sought a buyer. Royalties from the sale of the statue will benefit Vatican astronomy and scientific research.
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