don't let it wipe you out either....blessings

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.

I'd expect no less

Similarly, the statue of Our Lady stands beside Our Lady of the Gulf in Bay St. Louis. Remarkable!

Nothing can destroy certain facets of humanity. Hope, the one thing Katrina could not take away, along with the statue.

What a beautiful story to share at Christmas time! May all who read this remember the REAL meaning of this Holy season.

THE POWER OF GOD PROTECTION IS STRONGER THAN THE POWER OF NATURE .

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.

I think God is really showing us his power.

wow that is really amazing

The statue of the Virgin Mary still standing, when everything else was destroyed, is a "Ray of Hope" to all . It's truly amazing!!!!!

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?

Our St. Jude (Saint of Impossible Cases) remained standing after Katrina & is now standing on our porch. God at work?

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.

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!

THE STRENGTH OF THE BLESSED MOTHER IS SO POWERFUL. THE EVIDENCE IS PROVE. sPRED YOUR WINGS BLESSED MOTHER AND PROTECT US ALL.

The Blessed Virgin will stand with all of us, no matter what happens.

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

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.

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??)

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.

As Christ came to know the wolrd through Mary, So should it be that the world comes to know Christ through Her!

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.

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

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.

Truly amazing. This should be a message to non-believers of the power of the Blessed Mother.

I am so glad you guys told this story. I was living in Waveland during Camille and attending St. Clare school and remember so vividly that statue still standing when we returned the day after the hurricane. I was living in Bay St. Louis when Katrina hit and I went to see if that statue had made it again and was delighted to see that it had. Thank you MSNBC for keeping us in the news.

These are one of the many signs that our Blessed Mother is sending, for us to continue to pray and have faith in miracles, there is lack of Faith in many religions, but this is one of the many miracles that is sent from Heaven above in order to continue our faith.

Why would god allow a statue to stand, but thousands and thousands of homes to be destroyed?

WOW. What a Sign!!!! Don't lose hope. If you do--remember their are many people across our country holding hope for you and keeping you in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Keep on, keeping on. We believe in you. You are all as strong as your statues. Strong and successful.

God will guide you in this difficult time.
WHen you see the statuette, let this be a reminder
he is always there for you!
Our prayers are with you!

All around you may fall, but as long as the Lord is behind you, you will stand tall...

. . . and not only thousands of homes, but hundreds of lives???

WHAT ABOUT ALABAMA?

Of course it's still standing, look at the massive stone wall around it!

IF ONLY EVERYONE'S FAITH IN GOD COULD BE THAT STRONG.

The Bay area helped heal me during a trying time in my life. A part of me will always be there and a part of the Bay will always be with me. The statue is a sign of hope and healing.

I'm confused by the majority of the responses to this story. In nearly every response, people credit God or the Lord with this miraculous occurance, but wasn't God responsible for this entire disaster in the first place?

"The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation..."

Our Blessed Holy Mother is showing us another sign of the goodness of her son, our lord. People should see this as a parable. We can overcome all things and through Christ we shall prevail.

I don't live in your part of the country, but we have seen our share of storms. One thing always stands out
.... the spirit of the people! You all to have that spirit. You have suffered immensely, but have come through with your faith intact! You will come through this and be all the stronger for it. God bless and God love you all.

It's rather disturbing to me that so many Southern Mississippians credit God and the Lord with saving this sculpture. . .what about saving all of the state's poor people along the coast?

I am somewhat confused. If a statue of Elvis survived the hurricanes does that mean he protected it from beyond the grave? If a statue of a Christian deity and Hindu deity both survived does that mean that each respective god was responsible for maintenance of their statues? I am just saying that anything that remained undamaged by the storms, whether it be a statue of Stalin, the Virgin Mary, or a stop sign is pretty fortunate.

These hurricanes wiped out entire cities and people died. How does a statue's survival help rectify that? If I had a statue of the Virgin Mary in my living room and a drive-by shooter killed my entire family while missing the statue I would not consider that to be a good day.

If the Virgin Mary was one of the few things kept in tact during the storms wouldn't that be considered a selfish act of God? Everything get's ruined except a statue that represents his following...

Get real people!!!! Why would God spare a STATUE while thousands of homes were destroyed and lives ruined. Is a statue made of concrete more important than human lives? A very popular gay bathhouse was spared damage as well so this must mean that God wants everyone to go there.

Imagine this. You and your son are standing on the curb waiting to cross the road. You tell your son not to leave your hand. But he does and dashes out into the traffic and is knocked down by a car. Would you blame God for keeping you safe and hurting your son?

My house burned before the storm, the one we were rebuilding was destroyed - oh, but the mail box was still there.

Why did the storm surge stop where it did? Check out www.washingtonpost.com/wp dyn/content/panorama/2005/10/03/PA2005100301642.html Can anyone tell me why the water stopped where it did? All those people living in the area that had massive destruction, did their whole life direct them to this moment? If I'd not moved here 20 years ago would some awful thing have happened to me no matter where I was living the day that storm hit here? I have statues standing and others that were knocked over and smashed. Can anyone tell me why ----

I was there in October working out of the Christian Church in Slidell, LA... we had one team come to Waveland to remove trees... I came through one day and took many, many pictures to show my church here in Missouri... the devestation is unbelieveable... you have to see it for yourself... you all hang in there... we are praying for you and we are still sending people down there to help...

I believe God loves us. For the people wondering why He sent the hurricanes to destroy people's lives and homes, forgive me, but I do not believe God caused the hurricanes. I think that things just happen. God has set the world in motion and whatever happens happens as a result of something else. Whether it be global warming or ocean currents or weather patterns. What I do believe is that God gives us the courage and faith to deal with whatever comes our way. And how we deal with it will bless us and others, as well.

But I do believe he gives us signs that he is with us. Not only the statues still standing, but the sun still coming up in the morning and the birds still singing: I believe these are signs. And strangers and friends alike helping others is probably the greatest sign he sends. Everyone's lives will be touched by some kind of adversity, but I cannot believe that God is the cause of it. We must remember that we are ambassadors of God on earth.

God did not protect this statue. Metal beams, cement, and a rock wall on three sides protected this statue. This is not a story of a merciful God showing that we, like the statue of the Virgin Mary, can overcome all things, but rather a story of a beaten and stretched people looking to find God somewhere when they feel they have been abandoned. People believe anything they want to be true and everything they are afraid is true. If it gives, them hope, however, then it doesn't matter if God protected this statue or not. They will have something to push them along while they strive and fight to rebuild their lives. God, whether he is present or not, is imperative to any society, especially a destroyed and impoverished one.

If you don't see this as "miraculous", then it was not intended to build up your faith, if you do, then it's purpose was fulfilled.

Why we need miracles to believe in God? He exists whether a statue is being saved luckily or thousands of people died unluckily.
May creator bless us.

Mother Mary is standing for us to save all of us.Belive in they will stand for us.It meens no Hurricanes can do anything it is all for Good.I am for away from your country i do not how people suffered when the these hurricanes hit the city and the people.I will Pray for the People who been suffering without home and food.And my friends who see message please Pray to God our Holy Mary who is standing for us. I thanku msn where i saw these picture. May God Bless you all,

God Bless all of those who lost tremendously and you are all in our thoughts and prayers...Remember...
If God brings you to it...
he WILL bring you thru it!

I recently have returned from visiting family in Picayune and I was able to see first hand the wreckage that was left from Katrina in Picayune Waveland, around Gulf Port as well as New Orleans. TV or photographs do not capture the impact of what this storm did. Just after crossing the railroad tracks in Waveland (unfortunately there were not any street signs left so I do not know the name of the street) I was taking photographs and came across another statue of the Virgin Mother in zomeone's front yard that remained standing through the storm.

This storm clearly shows to me the power of God and of the love the Virgin Mary has for all of us especially during times like this.

It's sad to see so many miss the message. God bless the non-believers. Have a Merry Christmas.

I agree - if she watches over everything - where was she while people were dying..drowning, dying from thirst, entombed in their attics.

YES A LOT OF PEOPLE DIED IN THE HURRICANES, BUT REMEMBER THEY COULD HAVE GOT OUT. DON'T BLAME GOD FOR THEIR STUPIDITY. FOR EVERY GOOD THERE IS AN EVIL, WE JUST HAVE TO DECIDE WHICH TO CHOOSE.

This is a remarkable story that confirms in many ways the miracles at Lourdes and Fatima.

I lived in Gulfport for several years, departing in 97. I was always amazed at how many people ran around in luxury cars but had a shanty to raise a family in. The tents and campers being provided are most likely the best accomodations some of these folks have had in years. I still have family and friends down there, and they were astonished when they found out what some of the tv stations were reporting. You cant force someone to evacuate.

Miguel, I have seen your picture of the Virgin Mary in the Grotto at St. Clare in Waveland. There is a story within this story. the kind folks whom erected this tribute to a young son who drowned; reside in Mandeville, La. just a short drive West of here. You may also seek information re; an Italian Marble batismal font that was located inside the church.
If interested please contact me via e-mail. R/Jim

For those of faith this is not surprising. To those who might question or doubt please take the time to realize God is sending us signs to take care and love one another. Our world is what we make of it. Open your hearts to all people - do what Jesus did while he was here on earth giving us the example of how we should live our lives.

"In the end My Imaculate Heart will Triumph!" Those were Her words at Fatima Portugal, I think this is a very strong sign, that she will make those words come true, come what may.

I was so thrilled to see this...to add to the story, I can tell you the story behind this statue. In 1957 my baby brother drowned in Waveland MS in a pond in front of this very statue. Mom & dad donated the statue to our church, St. Claire's, in memory of John Edward Frey. My great grandmother who came over from Germany purchased the statue and it was shipped from Italy & put in our yard in Waveland. Old timers will remember the weekly rosary that was said there on Wed. nights. Yes, bad things happen to good people, both then and now, but God gives us help to make it through these things if we ask.It is our choice what we do with our troubles. Many in our family lost everything, but keep the focus on helping each other and we will make it through. Turn the focus in on yourself and you will not.

A Hurricane is coming. The news was everywhere. God is powerful and those that listened to the warning were humbled by what remains. It reminds me of an old joke a priest told me once.

There was a great flood and an old woman had finally made it onto her roof. The water continued to rise and a neighbor in a boat beckoned her to safety. The woman refused saying "The Lord will Save Me". As the water continued to rise, another neighbor passed in a boat and tried to rescue the woman only to get the same response as the first. Then as she was standing on her toes on the peak of the roof, a third neighbor tried to rescue her and received the same response as the previous two. When the woman reached the Pearly Gates, her question of God was, "Why didn't you save me?" His response was simply "I sent three boats."

I went to St. Clare's for many years and this statue holds a special place in my heart. Tears filled my eyes when I saw the Blessed Mother still there watching over us. I started school at St. Clare's in tents and trailers because of Hurricane Camille.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with Thee. Blessed Art Thou Amongst Women and Blessed is the fruit of Thy Womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners now and at the Hour of our Death.
AMEN

Left is this sign of hope and remembrance for those of faith with eyes to see. Note the stories following through in this blog. They add the reality that this is a place where some holy people have walked and stopped and prayed. Love knows no bounds. For those who suffer- hope remains. Pray!

katina was punished for all the sins that take place there on a daily basis, fact .