Please find below the letter from Angelo Vivolo to First Lady of New York City Chirlane McCray Re: Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini.
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September 4, 2019
First Lady Chirlane McCray
Gracie Mansion
88 East End Avenue
New York, NY 10128
RE: Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini
Dear First Lady McCray,
I admire your leadership with the ThriveNYC program and bringing attention to mental illness. You have demonstrated your compassion and commitment for those in need. I think people who give of themselves for others should be celebrated. Your support of acknowledging women who have contributed to society is exemplary. It puzzles me, however, that in your decision to honor such women you decided that Mother Xavier Cabrini was not worthy of this recognition.
I know that her contribution to those in need and her influence on others to do the same is extraordinary. I am sure that you are aware of Mother Xavier Cabrini’s life of dedication to humanity in New York State and across the country.
I know it may seem that as a Catholic and Italian-American that I am making this request that you reconsider having a statue in her honor created, but it goes much deeper than that.
I do not think that when Mother Xavier Cabrini was alive that she discriminated as to who should benefit from her good works. She was a woman for all the people. It is not a coincidence that she in your polling received the most votes to be honored with a statue. I am sorry to say that I truly and sincerely do not understand the decision to ignore this great woman. I hope that you will find a way to honor the dedication and compassion for others that this saintly woman demonstrated her entire life time and continues today in institutions that bear her name.
Please let me know how I can help you to honor Mother Xavier Cabrini by erecting a statue in her name in the greatest city in the world.
Most respectfully yours,
Angelo Vivolo
President
Columbus Heritage Coalition