Yesterday evening at St. Mary’s in Norwalk a shrine for the statue of Our Lady of Norwalk was unveiled and dedicated. The local artists who created the shrine were in attendance, Henry Egan, artist, and Alonso Florez, master woodworker. Also in attendance was Harry Rilling, the Mayor of Norwalk. Fr. Cipolla explained the iconography of the statue and shrine. “The oyster shell she holds in the symbol of Norwalk, oysters having a particular symbiosis with the city. The Child holds a pearl, for it is He who is the Pearl of Great Price, who died and rose that we might live.”
The right panel shows St. Mary’s Church
The left panel shows an oyster fisherman, with the Norwalk islands in the background. Is this a likeness of Fr. Cipolla? He explained in his sermon that an oyster fisherman is like a priest who uses his rake to dig for souls.
At the top of each panel is an oyster with a pearl.
Behind Our Lady is her throne surrounded by saints and angels.
Solemn Mass was celebrated with the usual large assembly of altar boys.
The combined choirs of St. Mary’s performed, under the coordinated direction of both David Hughes and Charles Weaver.
After the Mass, a procession to the new shrine of Our Lady
Fr. Cipolla blesses the shrine.
A reception featuring fresh oysters and clams, and cava.
Fr. Cipolla, honorary oyster fisherman.
But the star of the reception was Fr. Donald Kloster, the new curate, who arrived at the parish on Monday.
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