This statue was originally within Holy Cross parish church, which was demolished 2004.

Residents and parishioners of the parish and community had the statue placed within an enclosed glass casing within a memorial garden. It now seems that condensation is attacking the statue and they have been quoted £3,500 for repair.

For further details contact Irene Hanratty on 476 2491

Residents and parishioners of the parish and community had the statue placed within an enclosed glass casing within a memorial garden. It now seems that condensation is attacking the statue and they have been quoted £3,500 for repair.

The Pieta statue was bought by Holy Cross parishioners when the church was moved from a stable in Standish Street to its permanent place in Fontenoy Street. There it resided until after the Second World War, even surviving an incendiary device which destroyed most of Holy Cross Church.

Sketch of the original Holy Cross from the Liverpool Record Office

In 1954 a new church was built on the corner of Great Crosshall Street and Standish Street and, once again, the parishioners gave every spare penny to help rebuild and furnish the church. A variety of social events and raffles were held within the community for many years which resulted in Holy Cross being reinstated.

Holy Cross as it was in 2004

The Pieta was and is a sign of a strong community spirit. During the war many mothers went to the church to ask Our Lady to pray for the safe return of their husbands, sons and daughters. Sadly, on 16th September 2002 the last mass was celebrated and Holy Cross church was closed.

The last Mass at Holy Cross on 2002

Although it was left vacant for two years the community ensured that it was not vandalised in any way. Most of the contents were donated to other churches and the Pieta was taken to the Cathedral crypt for storage. Father Peter Sibert worked with the Cathedral administration to return the statue to the community where it belonged.

The original shelter for the Pieta 2004

When the church was closed people were concerned about the plaques in remembrance of those who had died during the war and the young men's sodality. A plaque dedicated to the spot where Saint Patrick stood also needed a home. A local Housing Association agreed to dedicate a piece of land for a memorial garden and it was here that the community decided to have the Pieta Statue displayed.

Stain Glass Windows from Holy Cross

Over the years there has been a constant flow of visitors and tourists to the area and they are amazed, not only at how beautiful the statue is but how it has been respected within an inner city area. People often ask if they can put plants within the garden as a memorial of a deceased family member and every year on Memorial Day the local school children lay a poppy wreath in memory of those who died during the war.

Everybody in the area feels that this statue is a part of our heritage and it means a great deal to us. A lot of people find peace and solitude there, especially in these troubled times.

Mary Riley
Committee Member
MICRA
Email: Mary.Riley(at)capita.co.uk