Our Lady of the Pillar

A BEACON OF HOPE

In 40 A.D., the Apostle James was in the city of Caesaraugusta (Zaragoza, Spain). Discouraged in his mission to draw followers to the Lord, Mary appeared to him on the banks of the Ebro River. Mary was standing upon a pillar, holding the child Jesus. She had been escorted by a company of angels across the Mediterranean. She was still living in Jerusalem or possibly Ephesus. Mary instructed James to build a church.

“It will stand from that moment until the end of time, so that God may work miracles and wonders through my intercession for all who place themselves under my patronage.” Following her direction, James and his disciples built a small church. Today stands the Church of Our Lady of the Pillar (Nuestra Señora del Pilar) in Zaragoza dedicated to the Blessed Mother of God. Mary’s appearance to James is recognized by the Church as her first apparition. It occurred before the Assumption. She is present to those who seek her assistance. 

Our Lady of the Pillar with her Son and three angels will sit atop the golden dome of the Church of the Precious Blood, lit at night, looking out across Detroit. This original design will be molded and cast in Italy, adorned with the Cross of St. James. The angel to the left represents all who venerate Mary, the Mother of God. The central angel, holding a flaming sword, represents the Cherubim who guarded the Garden after man and woman had been cast out. The Cherubim still stand outside, but now inside the Garden is the New Eve, obedient unto God, restoring what was lost. Her Son, the new Adam, conquers evil and brings salvation to all. The third angel is Gabriel, the Archangel who announced to Mary that she would bear the Son of God. Gabriel, with Mary behind, now faces outward, and with his left hand invites you to enter the Garden of Paradise.