Our Lady of Peace Shrine facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Our Lady of Peace
Religion
Affiliation	Roman Catholic
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Marian shrine
Location
Location	Santa Clara, California
Architecture
Architect(s)	Charles Parks
Groundbreaking	1982
Completed	1983

Our Lady of Peace Shrine, also known as the Immaculate Heart of Mary Shrine, is a special Roman Catholic place in Santa Clara, California. It is a famous landmark for the Diocese of San José. The most amazing thing here is a huge 32-foot statue of Mary, Mother of Jesus.

The Shrine's Story

The altar at Our Lady of Peace Church. People have prayed here 24 hours a day since 1976.

Our Lady of Peace church started on June 24, 1961. Father Joseph G. Sullivan was the first pastor. He helped build the church, a hall, and the rectory (where priests live). In 1969, Father Sullivan moved to another church. Father John Joseph Sweeny then became the new pastor. He stayed at Our Lady of Peace Church for 32 years.

In the late 1960s, Santa Clara was growing. Father Sweeny saw this as a chance to share faith with more people. He dreamed of building a shrine to Mary, the Mother of God. He wanted it to be a clear sign of faith for everyone. He explained that a mother's open arms are very comforting, like God's love. He hoped the welcoming statue of Mary would invite visitors to the church.

A Place for Constant Prayer

In 1976, Father Sweeny and his helpers started something special. They began 24-hour Eucharistic adoration. This means the church has been open day and night for prayer ever since. People can come and pray at any time.

A candlelight rosary procession at Our Lady of Peace Shrine.

Building the Shrine and creating the large statue was a big project. Father Sweeny asked people to pray one million rosaries for the effort. He never asked for money. But about 3,500 people who shared his dream sent donations. They gave over $340,000 to help build the shrine.

Creating the Giant Statue

In 1976, Father Sweeny hired Charles Parks to make the 32-foot statue of Mary. Father Sweeny had first imagined a 90-foot statue. But they decided on the 32-foot height. The statue needed over 12,000 hours of work. It also required 50,000 welds to put it together. Charles Parks even had to take apart part of his art studio to fit the huge sculpture. Bruce Industrial Co. helped build the statue. It was made from stainless steel. Mary's robe was cut in a way that made it look like it was moving.

The statue was finished in 1982. It was first shown in Philadelphia for the winter. Then, it traveled across the country. It was displayed in many cities for several months. In 1983, it arrived at Our Lady of Peace by a special truck. The statue was so big, with a 15-foot wingspan, that it needed a police escort. On October 7, 1983, Bishop Pierre DuMaine officially dedicated the statue and Shrine. Father Patrick Peyton was also there for the dedication.

In 1996, a Family Learning Center was built. This helped with the growing number of visitors and requests for faith activities. The shrine continues to be a busy place today.

Statue of Pope John Paul II.

In 2002, Pope John Paul II thanked Father Sweeny for his work. He honored him as a Monsignor. Later that year, Monsignor Sweeny retired due to health reasons. The priests of the Institute of the Incarnate Word (IVE) took over leadership. They continue to lead the church and shrine today. They are supported by the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara (SSVM), who are sisters from the IVE.

On April 27, 2014, Bishop McGrath dedicated a seven-foot bronze statue. This statue honors Pope John Paul II. It stands directly across from the statue of Mary.

Leaders of the Church

Here are the main priests who have served Our Lady of Peace Church:

See Also

• Shrines to the Virgin Mary
• Roman Catholic Diocese of San José