St. Mary's Church dedicates new statue of Mary

St. Mary’s parish of Fosston chose Sat., August 15, to dedicate the new hand-carved marble statue of Blessed Mother Mary that was set into place in front of St. Mary’s Church because on August 15 the Catholic Church throughout the world celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  

This feast day reminds us that the Immaculate Mother of God was assumed body and soul into heaven, our final destination.

St. Mary’s Church from its beginnings when it was named “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” has claimed our Blessed Mother Mary as her patroness. Blessed Mother Mary is also the patroness of the United States and the Americas.  

Catholics do not worship Mary but ask her to intercede since she is the one who likely finds most favor with Jesus.  She may be called upon to pray that our parish, our nation and our world be delivered from all that is evil.

Parishioners from McIntosh, Lengby and Fosston gathered at 5pm to pray the rosary outside in view of the statue of Blessed Mother Mary.  Bishop Michael Hoeppner of the Diocese of Crookston then blessed the statue of Blessed Mother Mary before heading inside to concelebrate the Mass with local Pastor Fr. John.  Fr. John thanked the donors, councils and the committee who made this project possible under his leadership. 

The local council of Catholic United Financial provided the beautiful potted plants on each side of the statue. Shane’s Landscaping of Erskine-East Grand Forks did the landscaping.

The community is welcome to visit our Blessed Mother Mary statue.  She is especially beautiful after dark when the lights come on.