Thousands gather at Marian shrine to pray, dedicate statue for life

Published: 2005-10-07

WASHINGTON, N.J. (CNS) -- More than 3,000 people united in prayer at the National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the New Jersey town of Washington Oct. 2, a day celebrated as both Respect Life Sunday and Worldwide Fatima Sanctity of Life Day. Thousands more at other U.S. sites and in Switzerland, India, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia and other countries observed the day of prayer for respect toward life. Gathered at the shrine under a clear blue sky, people prayed the rosary, celebrated Mass and witnessed the dedication of the shrine's new statue, Mary Mother of the Life Within. An identical statue was dedicated the same day at the Marian shrine in Fatima, Portugal. The statue, which shows Mary lovingly cradling the infant Jesus in her arms, features pro-life symbolism, such as the placement of the infant in a position similar to that of a fetus inside the womb.

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