Bishop of London presides over blessing of new statue ‘The Black Madonna & Child of Covid Lockdown’
On Sunday 5th January, the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally MBE, visited St Mary with All Souls Kilburn to unveil a powerful new sculpture, The Black Madonna and Child of COVID-19, ‘our Lady of Kilburn,’ by renowned artist Kate Egawa. The service, taken alongside Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon, and Fr Robert Thompson, Vicar of St Mary’s, explored race, artistry, and why representation matters.
The piece, depicting Mary and Jesus with black physical features, is a thought provoking and moving depiction of black womanhood, motherhood, care and divinity, and a testament to the resolve of the congregation’s BAME women throughout the pandemic.
Bishop Sarah commented:
“It was a privilege to preside over the blessing of such a
unique and poignant sculpture at St Mary’s. Throughout the pandemic, it was clear
that so many of those looking after us on the front line were from minority
communities, and were disproportionately affected by the virus. They put the
needs of others above their own, selflessly setting aside their own safety to
care and provide for some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“’The Black Madonna & Child of Covid Lockdown’ is a glaring reminder of the sacrifices made over the pandemic, and a fitting tribute to those who kept the country moving when the rest of the world had ground to a halt.”
