Just In Time for Christmas: Marian Shrines

BY BISHOP F. RICHARD SPENCER

Even in the midst of a pandemic these past months, three of the military chapels in the Eastern Vicariate of the AMS have initiated building projects to honor the life of our Blessed Mother and her role as Patroness of U.S. military families. Members of the local Catholic military community undertook financing and constructing each project. Many hours of coordination and discussion with senior chapel leaders and representatives of the base Commander were necessary in order to obtain approval. Each of the three projects is very different in scope and design, but each has yielded a wonderful tribute to our Lady.

Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Community at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.

Initially begun as an Eagle Scout project, this Marian Garden (photo below) has been enhanced over several months. A stone path in the shape of the Rosary surrounds the garden and the statue of Mary. The flowers planted in the Mary Garden were selected based on their

historical significance, color, shape, and size. The African marigolds were chosen for their beautiful large flowering heads --in both orange and yellow. They are referred to as “Mary’s Gold”. The choice of the iris was determined, because the leaves represent the swords of the seven sorrows of Mary. This flower also represents the Trinity. The orange zinnias were chosen to represent the Holy Spirit and join roses, alyssum, and carnations planted along the stone walking path.

Nestled in the serene landscape outside of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel lie the grounds of the Marian Garden gifted to the USAG-Lee by the Saint Martin of Tours Catholic Women of the Chapel (CWOC). The CWOC Board has been passionate about sharing the beauty and traditions of the Catholic faith and provided a sanctuary for prayer, reflection, and contemplation for all those visiting and working at the installation. Anyone seeking a peaceful refuge will find the garden a quiet place at all times of the day or night.

The Fort Lee project was born in October 2019 as the CWOC board members considered a legacy project. The Marian Garden quickly soared to the top of the list when all embraced the idea of dedicating an outdoor space for praying the Rosary and moments of reflection. The 5.5-foot statue of Our Lady of Grace is centerpiece of the garden. Prayer benches and additional flowers will complete the project.

FORT LEE MARIAN SHRINE

The Fort Stewart Catholic Community chose the title of “Our Lady of Victory” to honor of the 24th Infantry Division stationed at Fort Stewart at the time, also known as “The Victory Division”. The Catholic community wanted

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to be placed under the patronage of Our Lady of Victory, established by Pope Saint Pius V after the Battle of Lepanto (7 October 1571). Pope Gregory XIII inserted the memorial into the liturgical calendar on that day in 1573 under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Although an image of Our Lady of Victory hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris, after it was looted by the troops of Napoleon, the Fort Stewart Catholic Community has commissioned iconographer Beverly (Bev) Layton of Lawton, OK, to “write” (paint) their own “Our Lady of Victory” icon. This community is fervently supporting Bev in prayer as she writes the icon and has also given generously to bring the project to fruition. The members can almost be considered co-authors of the image. The icon will be affixed to a custom-made icon board approximately 30”x48” and weighing about 40 pounds. Current plans are that the icon will be displayed in the Blessed Sacrament chapel during the week and then in the main chapel for Sunday and Holy Day Masses. This global Archdiocese rejoices with these three Catholic chapel communities who have dedicated space for the veneration of Our Lady. May the Lord bless the good work that has begun and bring it to fulfillment!

“OUR LADY OF VICTORY” ICON.

(Contributing to this featured article were Father James Peak, Carlisle Barracks; Mrs. Patti Ramos, Fort Lee; and Father Gerry Sherbourne, Fort Stewart. Thanks to them for their time and leadership in these Marian projects.) V

The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA

Pathway of Honor

Show your support for service members, veterans, chaplains, military families, and all who have served or continue to serve by reserving a commemorative brick today. Your brick will join hundreds of others lining the pathways of the Edwin Cardinal O’Brien Pastoral Center in Washington, D.C.

A suggested donation of $150 will ensure that the brick you order, in memory of your loved one, will be placed in the “Pathway of Honor”.

To order a brick, visit https://www.milarch.org/bricks/ You can donate online or print a donation form.

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