My early encounters with statues were limited to the distant tales of the one in New York, symbolizing the welcome to immigrants, and those within the solemn walls of churches.
Jenny Maestri’s maternal lineage traces back to Lucca, Italy, suggesting a potential involvement in the figurine-making trade. My father would point out the Sacred Heart Statue during our Good Friday visits to the Cabrini Convent’s chapel, along with the two dogs from Barracks St.
Yet, little did I know then that these seemingly disparate encounters were possibly all intertwined.
Originating from the charming walled city of Lucca, Italy, Francisco Labadini was a skilled craftsman known for his modest yet finely crafted figurines. Lucca, famed for its production of plaster sculptures, provided a nurturing environment for Labadini’s craftsmanship to flourish.
Like many other Italian immigrants, Labadini found employment in factories in bustling cities such as New York and Chicago, contributing to the creation of religious statues that grace American Catholic Churches. Though not as renowned as some of his contemporaries, Labadini’s work remains a testament to the enduring tradition of Italian craftsmanship.
In London, Francisco was a street vendor, offering small statues to passersby, asserting himself as a “Figurine Maker.” It was during this time that he crossed paths with his future son-in-laws Ferdinand and Moise, who identified themselves as “street musicians.” Their encounter takes on added significance when we consider events later in New Orleans.
In 1892, just three years after her arrival in New York, Mother Cabrini made her way to New Orleans. This convergence of paths hints at a deeper connection between the lives of these individuals, weaving a tale of intertwining destinies across continents and decades.
Francisco’s granddaughter, who would later be known as Sister Desolina Maestri, emerged as a pivotal figure in this narrative. She would go on to become one of the first Cabrini nuns to set foot in New Orleans, arriving just a week before the esteemed Mother Cabrini herself.
This timing is particularly intriguing given what we know about the events unfolding in New York. According to records from the Cabrini museum in New York, these pioneering nuns carried with them a large Sacred Heart Statue, symbolizing their mission and dedication to their cause.
The arrival of Sister Desolina and her fellow nuns, along with the significant Sacred Heart Statue they brought, adds yet another layer of depth to the interconnected stories of Francisco Labadini, Ferdinand and Moise Maestri, and the Cabrini sisters.
Sacred Heart Statue at the
Cabrini Orphanage in New Orleans
As we trace the origins of the Labadini lineage, hailing from the esteemed city of Lucca, Italy, renowned for its masterful sculptures, Francisco’s craftsmanship echoes the rich artistic heritage of his hometown. This connection to Lucca, where some of the world’s finest sculptures were born, adds yet another layer of depth to the unfolding narrative of intertwined lives and shared legacies.
The presence of the Sacred Heart Statue, bearing a plaque on the base “donated by Jenny Maestri” adds a poignant layer to the story, particularly considering her sister’s vocation as Sister Desolina, one of the pioneering Cabrini nuns.
Could it be that the origins of the enigmatic stoop dogs, once a fixture on Barracks Street, lie in the skilled hands of artisans from Lucca?
This tantalizing possibility hints at a deeper connection between past and present, as we continue to unravel the mysteries concealed within the annals of family lore.
Family Statues
On our Italian pilgrimage we spent a day in Lucca, it was our favorite city in Italy. Ann and I rented bikes and rode the ancient wall that encircle the village.
We visited several religious sites and the Church of San Michele in Foro constructed by the Maestri Comacini. A place steeped in history, serving as the guardian for the Templars. It is adorned with intricate symbols, meticulously crafted by the Maestri Comacini, resembling stone books meant to endure through time. Notably, the statue of the Archangel occasionally emits an unusual gleam, prompting legends of an embedded emerald to surface.
I feel a chill in the air, Halloween is around the corner in LaCombe, Louisiana.