A sculpture commemorating the centenary of the death of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

“VIGIL – The Heart of Cabrini, is a visually arresting work of art. Cabrinian symbolism is embedded in every element of steel and bronze in the design.
This sculpture is a tribute of gratitude to those present and those who have gone before us, staff, doctors, volunteers, donors, visitors and patients, all those who have been part of growing Cabrini Health’s reputation as a highly regarded health care service in Melbourne.
The artwork invites you to stay awhile and find courage, which is at the heart of this work, for what we must do, in often difficult times.”
Sr Sharon Casey MSC − Cabrini Board member representing the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Acknowledgements
The sculpture was generously and lovingly funded by:
The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC)
Sr Barbara Staley MSC, General Superior, Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Sr Diane Olmstead MSC, Provincial Superior, Guadeloupe Province.
Cabrini Italians of Melbourne formed in 2017 to strengthen the ties to the Italian community and highlight the importance of Cabrini’s Italian heritage. The Cabrini Italians of Melbourne are led by Paul and Rose Spano and supported by John Toscano, Lou Sticca and Eugene Smarelli.
Cabrini Australia
Sylvia Falzon, Chairman of the Board and Sue Williams, Chief Executive.

We give thanks for the support of the following:

Stonnington City Council, Margaret Coffey,Damian Coleridge, Rosemary Crumlin OAM, Fr Tom Erlich,
Christine Elmer, Geoff Fazakerley, Cath Garner, Greg Lamana, Robert Lindsay, Peter Mathey, Anthony Moate, Alison Moran, Judy Nancarrow, Sue Parkes, Eugene Smarrelli, Paul Spano, Rose Spano, Lou Sticca, John Toscano, Michael Walsh and Mary Ward.

“The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are worldwide, and must participate in the spaciousness of the Divine Heart that embraces all, comprehends all, gives life to all, unites and draws all to itself.” Mother Cabrini

VIGIL – The Heart of Cabrini

The sculpture was designed to celebrate the life and work of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, affectionately known as Mother Cabrini, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the doctors, nurses and staff of the Cabrini hospital, who have provided support and healthcare to the community for more than 70 years.

Commissioned on the centenary of the death of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini in 1917, the story behind the 7.4 metre sculpture will speak heart-to-heart to people coming into the hospital day and night, whether as patients, volunteers, visitors or staff.

The artwork utilises various themes from the history of Mother Cabrini’s life, the Sacred Heart, and combines them with more contemporary references relating to medicine and technology, including the heart rhythm graphs seen on electrocardiogram monitors. The resulting form is comprised of a series of interconnected vertical spires, which vary in height and resemble an unfolding landscape.

A heart-shaped crown is on top of each spire designed to slowly move in the wind. As they turn, they shift between the open heart shaped motif and a stylised head. They are also reminiscent of ship propellers, making reference to the role of international shipping, immigration and Mother Cabrini’s many ocean journeys around the world.

A constellation pattern, Ursa Minor, fixed into the body’s surface contains a very bright star, known as The North Star, a metaphorical symbol of Mother Cabrini’s guiding light and visible strength.

Watch the video of the Sculpture Blessing: https://vimeo.com/649230832/a6b31bb0f0

About the artist

Simon Perry is a British born sculptor and academic who has been living and working in Melbourne for the past 30 years. Best known for his large-scale public artworks for urban space in Australia and overseas, Perry has received a number of awards and prizes including The Prix de Rome, the RA Gold Medal for Sculpture and the Landseer scholarship award. In 2020, he completed a PhD at RMIT University.

“My intention was to create an innovative public artwork that would commemorate the life, work and legacy of Mother Cabrini and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, whilst also highlighting the site of the contemporary hospital and the incredible work undertaken by its staff in their care of the Melbourne community.With this in mind, one can think of the sculpture as both a form of votive offering, dedicated and designed to give thanks to the Cabrini community, but also a prominent marker or beacon projecting out love and the spirit and values of the hospital and its founder.”

Simon Perry, Artist

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