Last month St. John’s University Staten Island campus erected a century-old statue of St. Vincent de Paul bequeathed to the University by the Sisters of Charitywhen the statue was taken down last month after the medical center was purchased by Bayonne (NJ) Medical Center.According to experts, the statue — depicting St. Vincent caring for two small children — was cast approximately 100 years ago in the Durenne iron and bronze foundry in France, the native country of St. Vincent. Historians believe it was created by 19th century French sculptor Thenon-Meunier.
In the middle of the 20th century, it was transported to the St. Vincent Medical Center to symbolize St. Vincent’s concern for the health of all people, regardless of their social status or financial means. According to local residents and workers, the statue was cherished by those associated with the hospital.
