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.”
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A pre-fab future?
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.
Jane, Tylertown, Mississippi (Sent Dec 6, 2005 12:08:23 AM)
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.
Justin Cherveny, Bellingham, Washington (Sent Dec 6, 2005 12:18:49 AM)
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.
Bill, Dayton Ohio (Sent Dec 6, 2005 12:29:22 AM)
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.
Luic Moe, AL (Sent Dec 6, 2005 2:39:22 AM)
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,
India (Sent Dec 6, 2005 3:03:46 AM)
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!
kara,McCalla Al (Sent Dec 6, 2005 8:42:44 AM)
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.
Deacon Paul J. Giatas, Jr. (Sent Dec 6, 2005 8:54:58 AM)
It's sad to see so many miss the message. God bless the non-believers. Have a Merry Christmas.
Indy, Indiana (Sent Dec 6, 2005 9:48:31 AM)
I agree - if she watches over everything - where was she while people were dying..drowning, dying from thirst, entombed in their attics.
Patsy Detroit, Michigan (Sent Dec 6, 2005 10:20:19 AM)
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.
JESSICA MARSIGLIA,NEW IBERIA,LA (Sent Dec 6, 2005 1:37:14 PM)
This is a remarkable story that confirms in many ways the miracles at Lourdes and Fatima.
stanislaus pulle , Thousand Oaks, CA. (Sent Dec 6, 2005 1:54:02 PM)
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.
Gantz (Sent Dec 6, 2005 7:10:58 PM)
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
James Burlock Pass Christian Ms (Sent Dec 6, 2005 7:43:50 PM)
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.
Muffie Monte, Wingdale, New York (Sent Dec 7, 2005 9:38:27 AM)
"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.
Matthew Shibler, Miami, Florida (Sent Dec 7, 2005 1:16:39 PM)
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.
Joanne Frey (Sent Dec 7, 2005 2:26:37 PM)
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.
Tom (Sent Dec 13, 2005 10:25:08 AM)
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
One of the Faithful, Baton Rouge, LA (Sent Dec 15, 2005 5:36:40 PM)
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!
Kathy Jamison (Sent Dec 26, 2005 11:21:25 PM)
katina was punished for all the sins that take place there on a daily basis, fact .
mark watts co klidare ireland (Sent Mar 11, 2007 9:51:54 AM)
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