Title of Murals
“Principal Episodes in the Life of Christ, of St. Francis of Assisi, and of St. Anthony of Padua”
Location
Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood
113 Baxter Street, New York, New York
Date painted
1916–1917
Murals
Known locally as the “San Gennaro church,” the Shrine Church of the Most Precious Blood in Manhattan’s Little Italy was built for a parish of Italian immigrants, including many Neapolitans, who venerated the patron saint of Naples, San Gennaro (St. Januarius in Latin/English.) Inside is a shrine to the martyred saint, and the church is also the host of the annual, famous San Gennaro Festival which occurs on the saint’s feast day in September.
Donatus Buongiorno painted 32 murals in this church, his largest commission, for which he was paid $4,000 in 1916. I have a written report with more information on the murals. If you are interested, write to me.
Principal Episodes in the Life of Christ, mural in curved ceiling of apse. Photograph ©2007 Janice Carapellucci. Used with permission.
Principal Episodes in the Life of Christ, mural behind crucifixion sculpture behind altar. Photograph ©2007 Janice Carapellucci. Used with permission.
Principal Episodes in the Life of St. Francis of Assisi, mural above side altar. Photograph ©2007 Janice Carapellucci. Used with permission.
Principal Episodes in the Life of Christ, mural behind altar. Photograph ©2007 Janice Carapellucci. Used with permission.
Principal Episodes in the Life of Christ, mural behind altar. Photograph ©2007 Janice Carapellucci. Used with permission.
Principal Episodes in the Life of St. Francis of Assisi, mural above side altar. Photograph ©2007 Janice Carapellucci. Used with permission.
Principal Episodes in the Life of St. Francis of Assisi, series of eight murals on outside walls of side aisles. Photographs ©2007 John A. Troisi. Used with permission.
Principal Episodes in the Life of St. Francis of Assisi, series of eight murals on outside walls of side aisles. Photographs ©2007 John A. Troisi. Used with permission.
Exterior of Church
Entrance on Baxter Street. Photograph ©2006 Janice Carapellucci. Used with permission.
When I was a child I receiving all my Sacraments in The Most Precious Blood Church. The Murals of the Life Of Christ, Saint Francis,and Saint Anthony all ways amazed me as a child and they still do to this day.
I didn’t grow up in New York, or it would have been my church, too. I LOVE hearing stories like this. Thank you so much for posting, Angel. We are exhibiting some of the artist’s secular paintings at the rectory (St. Pat’s Old Cathedral) in two months. Keep an eye out for it, as I would love to meet you there and hear more of your stories about the church, if you’re game.
My parents were married at Most Precious Blood Church in 1950. Naturally, since the family stayed in Little Italy, My two brothers and I received all our Sacraments at MPB; I still live in the neighborhood, and Most Precious Blood is still my parish. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I’ve always taken the artwork here for granted. I’ve always felt this church is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen, but I never realized its beauty is a direct result of the magnificent artwork! Without those paintings gracing the walls and ceiling, it would be just another church. As a young child, I always loved looking at the paintings on the ceiling above the altar, but recently I have been looking at them with new appreciation and with a level of emotion I didn’t expect. Perhaps it’s the loss of our rectory, or the loss of our beloved former pastor, Father Fabian. I know how he would have LOVED to have this degree of attention showered on the church he adored and considered his home. Whatever the reason, the result comes as a total surprise. Thank you Janice and thank you Bill, for all the attention and love now being showered on Most Precious Blood Church through its artwork. It is all so emotionally overwhelming.
Awwwww, Emily, you’re making me cry. THANK YOU for this comment. I am doing this work for YOU and for everyone who has loved this church for 100 years. I’m giving you a big hug the next time I see you.
Janice, such a wonderful tribute to your Donatus .. the fact that you researched & have brought it to the attention of so many .. is so meaningful and precious.. your great uncle is smiling firm on you & saying “finally, thanks to my Janice, I am a famous artist!!”
I wish we could be there to join you and those gathered there for the Christmas concert!
Hopefully one day in the not-too-distant future we will make it back to New York and get to meet you & perhaps even visit your church in Little Italy .
I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, prosperous 2022.
Sandi
Aw, thanks, Sandi. We will meet one of these days.