There are so many interesting things to see in Boston, and for us, the list just keeps growing! I discovered the story behind The Madonna of the Universe, and felt compelled to check it out.
It all started with Luigi Orione, a devout Italian priest who, at age 20, inspired by his own education, opened a school for the poor in Turin, Italy. A few years later, he founded the Sons of Divine Providence, an order committed helping orphans, the poor, the sick and the elderly regardless of their ethnicity.
The charitable works of this order were not limited to Italy, but extended to much of Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and North America, including Boston, Massachusetts. There, on the east side of the city, is the Don Orione Home, a center that provides services for the elderly, and across the street is the statue known as The Madonna of the Universe.
Built to fulfill the desire of Orione that beside every work of charity there should be a work of faith, this sculpture of Mary was brought to Boston in 1954. Italian Jewish artist Arrigo Minerbi created the 32 foot granite statue in commemoration to the Catholic Church for having protected him and his family from the Nazis during World War II.
It is absolutely magnificent!
Shootin' The Breeze 