WAVELAND, Miss. -- She’s a survivor who didn’t turn and run -- not in 1969 when Camille roared through or in Katrina this year or during smaller storms that have raked this town since the 1950s.
Right across from the beach in Waveland, a statue of the Virgin Mary at St. Clare Elementary School and Catholic Church has seen and felt the worst of the weather.
Katrina took out a seawall, all the nearby buildings and part of the grotto protecting the statue, but the statue is still there.
“She withstood,” says Principal Mark Cumella. “She was facing the fury and it didn’t wipe her out.”
A pre-fab future?
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don't let it wipe you out either....blessings
andy,ms (Sent Dec 4, 2005 10:13:41 AM)
As former residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it is great to see the "Mississippi" story being told. There was great damage in New Orleans and it is getting the large majority of the media coverage. We hope the media coverage will emphasize the devastation Katrina caused as well as the strength of courage, conviction, faith in God, and the support of families and friends. The citizens of Mississippi are not on the TV complaining about their losses. Instead, they are working together to rebuild their homes and lives. This should be the REAL story the nation should learn.
Will and Vee Smith, Biloxi MS (Sent Dec 4, 2005 10:54:14 AM)
I'd expect no less
John Gilday (Sent Dec 4, 2005 1:12:16 PM)
Similarly, the statue of Our Lady stands beside Our Lady of the Gulf in Bay St. Louis. Remarkable!
Carol Falls Church, VA (Sent Dec 4, 2005 1:49:20 PM)
Nothing can destroy certain facets of humanity. Hope, the one thing Katrina could not take away, along with the statue.
Michelle Orlando, Fl (Sent Dec 4, 2005 2:57:34 PM)
What a beautiful story to share at Christmas time! May all who read this remember the REAL meaning of this Holy season.
darlene sisson fredonia ny (Sent Dec 4, 2005 5:23:23 PM)
THE POWER OF GOD PROTECTION IS STRONGER THAN THE POWER OF NATURE .
KATERINA --- BILOXI , MISSISSIPPI (Sent Dec 4, 2005 5:43:56 PM)
Goes to show, just as this little statue still stands,so does the spirit of the true southern citizian. Many people ask, What will you do? All we can say is carry on, move forward and trust in the LORD. He will pull us through this hardship and come out even better.
Keith Gonzales, Walker La. (Sent Dec 4, 2005 7:32:14 PM)
I think God is really showing us his power.
Granite Bay, California (Sent Dec 4, 2005 8:15:17 PM)
wow that is really amazing
Luis Suarez , Phoenix Arizona (Sent Dec 4, 2005 8:18:00 PM)
The statue of the Virgin Mary still standing, when everything else was destroyed, is a "Ray of Hope" to all . It's truly amazing!!!!!
Theresa Loder (Sent Dec 4, 2005 9:57:02 PM)
My wife & I visited the Mississippi Gulf Coast last year. We spent several days lodging in Bay St. Louis. We dined a couple of times at Dempseys in Waveland. It was a place that was highly recommended by a local person at the time. Could anyone let us know how the owner, who we met, and other employees are doing now?
Bill Wehr, Clackamas, Oregon (Sent Dec 4, 2005 10:00:47 PM)
Our St. Jude (Saint of Impossible Cases) remained standing after Katrina & is now standing on our porch. God at work?
Bobbie Goodell Lafayette LA (Sent Dec 4, 2005 10:30:50 PM)
Went to Waveland to volunteer help from CT. Never expected to be so humbled or blessed to have had the experence. Going back to help with Christman. The side of Mother Nature took her couse with the Hurrican but, God was waiting with his blessings. Don't let America forget their brothers and sisters here. It could have been anyone of us any where.
Susan Hovey Manchester, CT (Sent Dec 4, 2005 11:09:00 PM)
Love this story...like the others on MSNBC....thank you, its another way for me to 'keep in touch' having gone down there a few weeks ago to help with relief work and left part of my heart with these wonderful people. They were so thankful for help....yet I am the one who is left so thankful - for the many many lessons and values they helped me relearn and refocus on.
I was amazed while I was there, at the number of these statues that stood all over the area. So much devestation (it is beyond belief and photo's), yet there were many statues of Mary standing amongst the rubble. I have always had faith in God...but it was there, with piles of debris everywhere, that I finally opened my eyes to the power of God, when all else is gone, that I got baptised in the Gulf waters off Waveland Beach the day I needed to leave. Thank you everyone down there, for welcoming us and for giving others the incredible opportunity to learn so much about what matters in life. Bless you. Sally
P.S. DON'T READ THIS NEXT BIT IF YOU ARE A WAVELAND RESIDENT!!!There is a 'Santa' project for families to reach out to Waveland families...anyone interested? I can send you info. (You send directly to Waveland, not to me!), I just help to link you up!
Sally Keasler, Oregon (Sent Dec 5, 2005 1:48:16 AM)
THE STRENGTH OF THE BLESSED MOTHER IS SO POWERFUL. THE EVIDENCE IS PROVE. sPRED YOUR WINGS BLESSED MOTHER AND PROTECT US ALL.
JUDY, ALEXANDRIA,LA. (Sent Dec 5, 2005 7:48:53 AM)
The Blessed Virgin will stand with all of us, no matter what happens.
Madeline McMahon, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Dec 5, 2005 8:17:50 AM)
Mary, the mother of Jesus, that is the protector of all things little and small, we humbly thank you for watching over the people of the Gulf Coast.
Ida Muorie, Sarasota, Florida
Ida Muorie, Sarasota, Florida (Sent Dec 5, 2005 8:44:22 AM)
The Gulf Coast between Mobile and New Orleans is truly a great scenic route. I've travled that route for many years. I can't wait until it's rebuilt. I know it'll be bigger and better. To everyone from that area may God bless. I'm looking forward to visiting the area again soon.
Allen Billups (Sent Dec 5, 2005 9:14:03 AM)
Strange is it not, how some people still doubt the power of GOD, even when they see statues face the full furry of storms like these and stand untouched while everything around is are destroyed. What a wonderful story of faith in a time when so many wish to strip us of our faith in the name of their "Civil Liberties", and as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior. My sincere thanks, GOD Bless (I can still say that can't I??)
Brian W, Twinsburg OH (Sent Dec 5, 2005 9:41:42 AM)
How amazing she is. Our Blessed Mother shares our troubles and will always be there for us. Praying the rosary of the most Blessed Virgin Mary will certainly help us to survive this world's present situation and we must never give up hope. We will obtain the promises of Christ- Eternal life. Thank you, Blessed Mother.
Margaret Lucero, El Paso, Texas (Sent Dec 5, 2005 10:17:23 AM)
As Christ came to know the wolrd through Mary, So should it be that the world comes to know Christ through Her!
Matt, Denver, Colorado (Sent Dec 5, 2005 11:14:55 AM)
Its a religious object. Why are we making it seem "miraculously" when there are other miracles that the region has received. Like the fact that strangers came together to help out those in need even if they themselves needed help.
Fairfield, CA (Sent Dec 5, 2005 11:28:02 AM)
I'm proud of this!!!
Our Gospel Singers of America, music school in Pass Christian on Scenic Drive had very little damage also. It is a blessing how God takes care of His business1
Barbie, Pittsburg, Tx (Sent Dec 5, 2005 11:30:07 AM)
What a wonderful story, during this holiday season. It's great to read a "good" story, for a change.
God's blessings on all those struggling through the resent disasters, and may this holy season bring comfort.
Ronnie Fairfax, Va (Sent Dec 5, 2005 11:31:17 AM)
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