The Madonna of 115th Street in Harlem gets a long-awaited makeover

NPR | NEWS
By Jacki Lyden
This life-sized porcelain image of the Virgin Mary was brought over from Italy in 1884.
NEW YORK---After 131 years, Madonna of 115 th Street needed a makeover — a makeover worthy of a Catholic icon parishioners say is responsible for miracles. And last week, the refurbished life-sized statue and her new gown were unveiled last week in East Harlem. From high above the altar, the Blessed Mother at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church has watched over her flock for more than a century. This Virgin Mary statue came over from Polla, Italy, in 1884. And according to her followers, she has healed the sick and given hope to the hopeless. [listen]