A giant mechanical spider is seen during an art performance in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa July 27. (CNS photo/Chris Wattie, Reuters) See story to come. A giant robotic spider perched near Notre Dame Cathedral in Canada has drawn shock and criticism from Catholics – to the disappointment of the archbishop.
Archbishop Terrence Prendergast said he was surprised by the negative reaction to an artistic initiative after critics called the mechanical spider’s placement “sacrilegious”, “demonic” and “disrespectful” of a sacred space.
“My cathedral staff and I anticipated that some…might object, but thought it would be minimal, as nothing demeaning was intended in the spider being near the church,” said the archbishop
“I regret that we had not sufficiently understood that others would see this event so differently. I say to those who were shocked that I understand that this would have been upsetting for them and that I regret that a well-intentioned effort to cooperate in a celebration was anything but that for them.”
The spider, named Kumo, is one of two giant robots created by a street theater company of artists, technicians and performers based in Nantes, France.
Kumo was part of a show celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday.