Our Lady of the Highways
Why a Shrine to Mary beside the highway?
In 1968, on a foggy October night, seven automobiles collided on interstate 95, just a few yards from an Oblate house. Many Oblates assisted the injured and dying on this busy highway.
Later, the Oblates erected a statue of our Lady as a tribute to those who died, and as a reminder to all motorists to drive safely. This monument was dedicated as a Shrine to Our Lady of the Highways to invoke Mary, Christ's mother, as the protector of travelers.
Eric Stocklin Photography
Thus began a spiritual movement that asks the Mother of Jesus, to intercede and protect travelers across the country. This became known as Mary’s Travelers and is a way the Oblates and their supporters have helped people on the road of life.
The original statue, erected in 1971, was 5 feet tall and made of cement. Replaced in 1986 with a 12-foot-tall marble statue, carved out from Carrara marble.
Historic News Articles
Our Lady of the Highways (Catholic News Service)
Our Lady of the Highways Song (Zoe Mulford)
