Marian shrines have always captured my attention, perhaps because of the fond memories of my own family’s backyard shrine. I don’t think there could possibly be a shrine big enough, or ornate enough, to pay the respect due to Our Lady, but I am also certain that she appreciates the sincerity and love that is at the root of even the smallest of shrines.
My sister-in-law knows this and so she sent me the photos posted below, taken on the grounds of Holy Family Catholic Church in Brentwood, TN.
This particular shrine was made by the hands of Eagle Scout Nick Vulcano, who dedicated it to Patricia Vulcano. What an honor for the deceased, whose name appears on the sign next to the small grotto that houses a statue of the Virgin Mary.
In contrast, thought to be the largest Marian shrine in the world, the Cathedral Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida in Brazil, has inside seating for 30,000! It is the second-largest Catholic Church in the world, second to St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City.
This shrine, however, had humble beginnings.
The story of the massive basilica’s formation began in the year 1717, when three fisherman were fishing in the Paraíba River. They were tasked with catching enough fish to feed a large crowd who would gather that same evening to honor the governor of Sao Paulo. They were catching nothing. Well, almost nothing.
One of their nets retrieved a headless statue of the Virgin Mary. They kept it in their boat. Then, another net brought to the surface the missing head of the statue. The men carefully and reverently wiped the statue clean and wrapped it up to take home. From that moment on, their nets brought in a bounty of fish, more than enough to feed the governor’s guests.
According to Wikipedia, one of the fishermen, Felipe Pedroso, restored the statue and kept it in his home. It drew many visitors who offered their prayers while viewing it. Pedroso built a tiny chapel next to his home to house the statue. Shortly after, a larger chapel was constructed that was eventually replaced with the first basilica. Pilgrims kept coming and in 1955 building began on what is now the largest Marian shrine in the world.
Big or small, I don’t think it matters to Our Lady.
searchingforthevirginmary.com 