SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – On Monday evening a new mural representing the Italian heritage of Springfield was unveiled in the south end of the city.
The new mural outside the Mt. Carmel Society building on Winthrop Street, a gathering place for Italian Americans for over 100 years.
“Hopefully this is the beginning of new traditions and unity,” expressed Rosa Alves of Springfield.
Many Members of Springfield’s Italian community say they are proud to see their heritage represented, through this piece of art.
“The years that have gone by, we have lost pride and maybe this will tell them, ‘wow, look how beautiful this looks’. Maybe we can get all together and clean up our city, and be proud of who we are and what we do.”
The Madonna depicted in this mural will now oversee the Italian-Americans in the city of Springfield.
“Every Italian society here in Springfield was attributed and put their patriots under our lady,” said Salvatore Circosta, the President of the Springfield Sons and Daughters of Italy, and Casa Italiana Social Club. “Whether it’s Lady Mount Carmel or Our Lady Grace. So we thought it was important to use our blessed mother as a symbol of our community.”
Surrounding the Madonna is a bounty of prickly pears, lemons and cherries, all native fruits of Italy.
Muralist Nico Cathcart told 22News that she wishes for the work to bring a sense of pride to the community, “I’m hoping that brings a whole bunch of stuff together, and create a point of pride.”
The artwork lies in the heart of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and many Italian businesses.
“It’s a joy, it’s beautiful,” expressed the Owner of Mom and Rico’s Specialty Market, Rico Daniele. “It will bring people together. We got make this world a better place, so we gotta help each other. No matter what nationality, we gotta help each other.”
With this mural the Mt. Carmel Society aims to both bring Italian-Americans together and get the younger generations involved.
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