Knotted Grotto In Philadelphia To Stay Open At Least Another Week
By Pat Loeb
PHILADEPHIA (CBS) – This was supposed to be the last day for the "Knotted Grotto," an art project installed at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul on Logan Circle in honor of Pope Francis.
But the Pope's unscheduled visit there, Sunday, has given it new life.
It will stay open at least an extra week because of the overwhelming public response.
Inspired by the image, supposedly the Pope's favorite, of the Blessed Mother as the Undoer of Knots, homeless advocates worked with artist Meg Seligman to create a place where people could leave their metaphorical knots for symbolic undoing.
"I knew that our hearts were in the right place and we had a good idea. I did not know that we would get the response we had," said Seligman.
Lines around the corner, waiting to leave a prayer and that was before the Pope's visit Sunday.
"There's no way we could take it down now, people are still coming, their struggles are up," said Seligman.
Seligman, though, says it was not constructed to be permanent. It will have to come down but cathedral officials say they haven't decided on a new closing date.
Seligman says when it does close, all the materials will be recycled in housing for the formerly homeless.
"And the prayers that we have will be cherished and taken care of like the precious items they are."