Our Lady of Detroit

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Today stands the Church of Our Lady of the Pillar (Nues-

tra 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 assis-

tance. We do. For Detroit. Our Lady of the Pillar.

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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.

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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 stands guard outside the garden, as does St Michael,

while the New Eve restores what was lost in Paradise. Her

Son, the new Adam, conquers evil and brings salvation to

all. The third angel is Gabriel, the Archangel of the Annun-

ciation. Gabriel, with Mary behind, now faces outward, and

with his left hand invites you to enter the Garden of Para-

dise. Note too that Mary’s right hand does the same. Both

hands of her child, likewise. Let us accept the invitation.