Empire State Building, lit for Mariah Carey, remains unlit for Mother Teresa’s 100th birthday
By APThursday, August 26, 2010
Empire State Bldg unlit for Mother Teresa’s b’day
NEW YORK — Many New Yorkers are marking Mother Teresa’s 100th birthday with religious ceremonies and by volunteering, but the Empire State Building won’t to be lit in her honor.
Illuminating the 102-story Manhattan skyscraper in different colors is a tradition. It’s been done for the release of a new Mariah Carey album and the 60th anniversary of communist China.
But the building’s owner has declined the Catholic League’s request to light the top of it in white and blue to honor the late Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Empire State Building owner Anthony Malkin cites a policy of not honoring religious figures.
The Catholic League led a rally Thursday to protest the decision.
Billboards in Times Square are being illuminated in honor of the nun, who was born Aug. 26, 1910, and died Sept. 5, 1997, at age 87.
