Pope John Paul II Memorial (Boston)
A memorial placard of Pope John Paul II, sometimes called Papal Mass Plaque,[1] is installed in Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
 The memorial in 2010 | |
| Location | Boston |
|---|---|
| Type | Memorial |
| Length | 32 in |
| Width | 8.25 in |
| Height | 53.5 in |
| Dedicated date | June 28, 1981 |
| Dedicated to | Pope John Paul II |
Description and history
The memorial commemorates the first Mass he celebrated in the United States, on October 1, 1979 at Boston Common.[2] The Gray granite tablet measures approximately 53.5 x 32 x 8.25 in., and was dedicated on June 28, 1981.[1]
An inscription reads: "POPE JOHN PAUL II / IN COMMEMORATION OF / THE FIRST MASS OFFERED IN THE / UNITED STATES BY HIS HOLINESS ON HIS / FIRST PASTORAL VISIT TO THIS COUNTRY / 1 OCTOBER 1979 / HERE ON BOSTON COMMON / DURING THE 350TH YEAR / OF THE FOUNDING OF BOSTON / "MAY GOD'S PEACE DESCENT ON THIS CITY / OF BOSTON, AND BRING JOY TO EVERY / CONSCIENCE AND JOY TO EVERY HEART." / POPE JOHN PAUL II / GIFT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF THE ALHAMBRA".[1]
The work was surveyed by the Smithsonian Institution's "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" program in 1996.[1]
References
- "Papal Mass Plaque, (sculpture)". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
- https://boston.curbed.com/maps/boston-common-things-to-do
