Press Releases

August 30 2007

‘Spirit of Love’ sculpture unveiled at Gorton Monastery

A two metre high statue was unveiled outside Gorton Monastery today (30 August 2007) at a special ceremony attended by VIP guests including the Minister of Culture for Macedonia and representatives from six faiths.

The original idea for the work came from Kosovan refugee and ethnic Albanian, Osman Caka, whose 17 year old son, Ilir, was murdered during the Kosovan war. The family fled to Manchester in 1999 and now live in Clayton, east Manchester. Osman's wish was to erect a sculpture, somewhere in his new country, to the Albanian born Mother Teresa. Mother Theresa, a Christian woman, who was born in a muslim country and worked chiefly amongst Hindus is a wonderful symbol of religious tolerance. When Osman approached the Monastery in 2004, the St Francis and Gorton Monastery Trust embraced his idea and ensured it became a reality.

Weighing three tonnes and made of Portland stone, the sculpture is an abstract work, based on two hands, held gently upwards in prayer and took a year to create. The hands were taken from casts of Osman's wife's hands and those of the artist.

Artist and sculptor, Andrew Scantlebury (30) from Withington in south Manchester, who has worked with the Trust as a volunteer for the past 5 years and created the sculpture for no fee, commented on the sculpture said: "To complete this project this year is particularly poignant because it is not only the year the Monastery building finally reopened but it is the 10th year of Mother Theresa's death. This work was a real labour of love. It's a very personal statement. Osman wanted to create something truly thought-provoking, not just a memorial to his son, but a statement about humanity and how we should live our lives. Thanks to him, something beautiful and come from his tragedy. It is a great honour to have played a part in this project."

Elaine Griffiths MBE, Project Director for the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust, said: "There are many parallels between Osman's personal story of tragedy and our 10 year struggle to rescue this once much loved church. The building, now beautifully restored, is again a focal point for the community, welcoming all that come here, regardless of differences of faith, creed or ethnic background. It is therefore very fitting to have this symbolic statue in front of the Monastery building and we are very proud to have it here."

Kosovan refugee and project originator, Osman Caka, said: "I believe love and only love is able to overcome tragedy. It is wonderful to see the statue in such a prominent place in front of this beautiful building. Andrew has created something quite remarkable and wonderful. My wish is that this piece of art to be a constant reminder for future generations that we should all live side by side in piece and harmony. May this statue stand for tolerance and love for all!"

The statue was entirely founded by donations from local businesses and individuals.

For more information on Gorton Monastery or to book the venue or a tour call 0161 223 3211 or visit www.gortonmonastery.co.uk.