Newest St. Vincent de Paul Statue Blessed on St. John’s University Staten Island Campus

St. John’s University’s Staten Island campus celebrated the blessing of its newest statue of St. Vincent de Paul, which was imported to the campus in January from the former St. Vincent’s Medical Center on April 25.

Standing at the main entrance of the campus, the statue represents the core of the St. John’s philosophy.  As a Vincentian University, St. John’s is committed to following St. Vincent’s teachings, which emphasize respect for the individual, service to the needy, human solidarity and adherence to the belief that giving of one’s self helps make the world a better place.

Rev. Michael J. Carroll, C.M., Vice President for Mission and Branch Campuses at St. John’s University, issued the official blessing of the statue and was assisted by Sr. Sheila Brosnan, SC, a member of the Sisters of Charity, a community of nuns following the rule of St. Vincent de Paul who were instrumental in securing a new home for the 100-year old statue.

Depicting St. Vincent and two small children, the statue is approximately 100 years old and stood at the entrance of the West Brighton hospital for decades before relocating to the University. 

Originally cast in France, the statue was transported to St. Vincent Medical Center to symbolize St. Vincent’s concern for the health of all people, regardless of their social status or financial means.

For additional information, please contact Elizabeth Reilly, Assistant Director of Media Relations at St. John’s, at (718) 990-5789 or by e-mail to reillye@stjohns.edu.