Statues of Patron Saints
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Artist John Collier employs a technique known as assemblage that dates back to the ancient Greeks and was used in more recent times by Rodin. The sculptor drapes wet clothing on a model of the human form. This serves as the basis for the mold that is then cast to become the sculpture, and gives a dynamic and lifelike form to the work. John Collier has captured not only the technique but the spirit of Rodin in creating something of great beauty to honor all who perished on 9/11 and those who took part in rescue and recovery effort. To borrow Rodin's phrase as he described the faces of his famous "Burghers of Calais," these four faces comprise a "rosary of suffering" but of suffering redeemed when seen with the eyes of faith. In looking on these statues, we are brought back to the horror of that day, but we recall also the courage, the dedication to duty, the compassion and the generosity of spirit we witnessed then and in the days afterward.
On the faces of each of these statues is etched a sense of character that was evident in the lives of so many who died that day. It serves to remind us that whatever it is that comprises character does not come out of nowhere. Rather, "character" or "virtue" is fashioned over time in many small, seemingly inconsequential decisions to act in a certain way or do the right thing, that all work together to make an individual the kind of person he or she eventually becomes. The lessons of loyalty, bravery, compassion and dedication to duty are witnessed day in and day out in homes, schools, playgrounds and neighborhoods, and in houses of worship. It is in these places that the young, in their search to find a life that makes sense and gives hope, can find their path in the example of those who have gone before them. The true work of art is the human being nobly formed, and it is to those who showed us such nobility of character on September 11, 2001 and the weeks and months afterwards, that these statues are humbly and gratefully dedicated."My religious art tells stories - the gospel is a story. I enjoy the intersection of the ordinary and translucent. Everyone has the feeling that there's something more important going on behind their everyday ordinary experiences. It's the intersection of the two that gives meaning to our lives."
- John Collier, Dallas, TX -
St Florian
Patron Saint of Firefighters honors the NYFD firefighters and EMS workers who ran fearlessly into peril saving hundreds of lives while losing their own, those who took part in the grueling recovery effort, and those who risk their lives everyday that we might live in safety. Florian is depicted climbing a ladder, evoking memories of the firefighters who climbed the stairwells of the Towers to reach endangered workers. The ladder appears to be breaking apart under his weight. Indeed, all his quipment seems to be failing him, but still he still struggles to go up, to save those he has sworn to rescue. -
St Michael
The Archangel, Patron Saint of Police Officers honors the officers - NY City Police and Port Authority Police - who gave their lives attempting rescue, those who engaged in the physically and emotionally exhausting work of recovery, and those who continue to protect us each day. The artist originally intended the head of the serpent/Satan to be the head of St. Michael, but it was deformed in the casting process. He decided instead to use it as the head of Satan, drawing upon the theme found in Christian tradition that the devil is a misshapen or fallen angel. We are thus reminded of the ever-present possibility of our fall from grace. We also remember that as we confront the forces of evil, we must always strive to fight on the side of the angels, never resorting under the threat of expediency to the tactics of our enemies. -
St Joseph
Patron Saint of Workers, foster-father of Jesus and spouse of the Virgin Mary, honors all those workers who left their homes on a beautiful late summer morning just to go to work at the World Trade Center to provide for their families. He evokes all the men who died that day: grandfathers, fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, uncles and nephews. St. Joseph is an apt patron for all workers, whether they work with their hands or their heads, because a carpenter is one whose work must have an integrity and honestry about it. All the measurements must be true, all the angles right, or the object that is being constructed will simply fall apart. On the back of Joseph the foundry workers who cast these bronze statues have inscribed their names, witnessing their satisfaction and pride to having had a role in this project, and representing all those who were involved but not listed. -
St Mary Magdalene
First Witness to the Resurrection and "Apostle to the Apostles" honors those who perished in the American Airlines and United Airlines jets that crashed into Towers One and Two: the passengers and the pilots and flight attendants who served them, and those who came from all parts of the country to serve at Ground Zero in whatever way they could. She also honors those who come to the site to mourn their beloved dead; especially those who do not even have the small comfort of having had their loved ones' remains returned to them. She evokes all the women who died that day: grandmothers, mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, aunts and nieces. She is depicted hurrying to Jesus' tomb on Easter morning, carrying jars of spices, to anoint His body, jars that will remain unopened because they will not have to be used - for He is risen.