Over the weekend, a South Boston resident witnessed a random act of kindness in the neighborhood and sent us the photo below.
Evidently, this gentleman was hired to paint a house near F and 8th. He told the resident that he always took his lunch in this area and noticed the condition of the statue of Mary. He decided she would use a little love and gave her a much-needed coat of paint.
The statue is located in Sister Mary Veronica Park on West 8th between F and Grimes streets. Back in the day, the students of St. Augustine’s School would crown her after first communion and for the May procession.
Sister Mary Veronica grew up on Loring Street, located one street over from the park. Her two sisters, Rita Graul and Ronnie Cobb raised their families on Grimes Street. (Thank you, Susan and Mae, for the info.)
A special thank you to Kristyna Cloherty for the main image and the scoop of the crowning.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
A little History please: Who is/was Sister Mary Veronica? Was she a Sister at St Augustine Grammar/High School?
I’m guessing she must have been. there is no info. on her. If we find out we will update!
Awesomeness
Sr. Mary Veronica was one of the children in the Greene family.Her sisters Rita Graul and Ronnie Cobb lived on Grimes Street. Originally was a greenie we spent many hours playing in, then our kids played and enjoyed the park.
Thank you!
Sister Mary Veronica grew up on Loring Street which is the next street over from the park. Her two sisters, Rita Graul and Ronnie Cobb raised their families on Grimes Street.
Thank you, Susan!
My father in law John Itri and neighbor Ugo Cantini would paint the statue and the benches every spring. What a great neighborhood we had. 🙂
I wonder why my comments NEVER get posted ?
A great neighborhood indeed. That was when we knew our neighbors, watched out for each other and helped each other out in times of need. Southie will never be like that again.
So where the f**#k are my comments ? I guess they turned you into a wimpy liberal as well.
Kenny, I have to manually approve comments.I’m not up all night hoping to approve comments.
Not to mention, I did approve a comment by you a few days ago too.
Its a great story.