Bicentennial Tribute to New York's Own

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A new Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, a native New Yorker, graces the interior of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in commemoration of the saint and the 200 years of service of the Sisters of Charity of New York which she founded.

Cardinal Dolan blessed the shrine during a Sunday afternoon prayer service at the cathedral Oct. 8.

The sacred space features antique and newly commissioned statuary and stonework with custom metalwork and lighting. The work of religious architecture firm DCAK-MSA, the shrine preserves the past and celebrates the new. The 19th-century altar was designed by the cathedral’s original architect, James Renwick Jr., and anchors the statuary and high relief panels of the late Sister Margaret “Peggie” Beaudette, S.C., a devoted teacher and renowned sculptor whose artwork for the shrine was her last commission before her death this past March 12.

The shrine is the beneficiary of community support under the leadership of Sister Jane Iannucelli, S.C., president of the Sisters of Charity of New York.