Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jul 5, 2010 / 22:23 pm
The world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janiero, Brazil has been re-inaugurated after four months of restoration work.
The large statue of Christ with his arms outstretched above Brazil’s second largest city is recognized as one of the seven wonders of the modern world. It is currently illuminated with green and yellow lights to support the Brazilian World Cup soccer team.
The statue, which is one of the most recognized Catholic symbols worldwide, will be 80 years old next year.
The repairs fixed a series of leaks that were affecting the chapel located inside the base of the statue. Technicians reported removing 80 gallons (300 liters) of water from the inside of each of the statue’s arms. The structure was also rebuilt to protect it from lightning strikes.
The re-inauguration was commemorated by a Mass celebrated at the statue’s feet by Bishop Dimas Lara Barbosa, Auxiliary Bishop of Rio de Janiero. The prelate expressed his gratitude for the completion of the work, which he said demonstrated “how human talent unites with the beauty of its own creation to offer us a singular monument of art and faith.”