Our Lady of Peace Shrine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Our Lady of Peace |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Marian shrine |
| Location | |
| Location | Santa Clara, California |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Charles Parks |
| Groundbreaking | 1982 |
| Completed | 1983 |
The Our Lady of Peace Shrine, also known as the Immaculate Heart of Mary Shrine, is a special Roman Catholic church and a famous place in Santa Clara, California. It belongs to the Diocese of San José. The most amazing part of this church is its huge 32-foot statue of Mary, Mother of Jesus.
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A Special Place of Peace
The Our Lady of Peace church started on June 24, 1961. Father Joseph G. Sullivan was the first leader. He helped build the church, a hall, and the rectory (where the priests live). In 1969, Father Sullivan moved to another church. Father John Joseph Sweeny then became the new leader. He stayed at Our Lady of Peace Church for 32 years.
A Vision for the Shrine
In the late 1960s, Santa Clara was growing fast. Father Sweeny saw that the church was in a good spot. He wanted to help more people connect with their faith. He also dreamed of building a shrine to Mary, the Mother of God. He felt it would be a clear way to show faith. He said, "What child hasn’t responded to the open arms of a mother?" He hoped visitors would come to see the welcoming statue. Then, they would visit the church too.
In 1976, Father Sweeny and his helpers started something special. They began 24-hour Eucharistic adoration. This means the church stays open all day and night for prayer. It has been open round-the-clock ever since.
The Giant Statue Arrives
Building the shrine and creating the statue was not easy. To help with this big project, Father Sweeny asked people to pray. He asked for one million rosaries! He never asked for money. But people who shared his dream began to send donations anyway.
After many years of prayers, Father Sweeny found a sculptor. In 1980, he hired Charles Parks. Parks was chosen to create the 32-foot steel statue of Mary. The statue was finished in 1982. It was shown in different cities for several months. Finally, it arrived at Our Lady of Peace in 1983.
On October 7, 1983, a special day called the Feast of the Holy Rosary, the statue was dedicated. Bishop Pierre DuMaine officially opened and blessed the statue and Shrine. Father Patrick Peyton, known for his Rosary Crusade, was also there.
New Leaders and More Growth
In 1996, a Family Learning Center was built. This was to make space for more people. It also helped with the growing number of faith-based activities. Even with this new building, space is still a problem today.
In 2002, Pope John Paul II thanked Father Sweeny for his leadership. He gave him a special title, Monsignor Sweeny. Later that year, Monsignor Sweeny retired due to health reasons. The priests from the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE) took over leading the church. They continue to run a growing and successful church and shrine today. They are also supported by the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara (SSVM), which is the group for women in the IVE.
On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2014, another statue was added. Bishop McGrath dedicated a bronze statue of Saint John Paul II. It stands right across from the statue of Mary.
See also
- Shrines to the Virgin Mary
- Roman Catholic Diocese of San José
