St. Mary’s Church and School in Oak Ridge celebrated Mass on Sunday, September 13th with a special blessing and dedication of a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The statue from Mexico was donated by Tomás and Bertalilia Léon of St. Mary’s Church in Jackson Tennessee. Sister Mary Rebekah, O.P., middle school religion and history teacher, maintains a relationship with the Léon family from her previous teaching role at St. Mary’s School in Jackson. She commented, “The Léon Family has always graciously supported the efforts of the Dominican Sisters.”
In preparation for the special day, members of the Knights of Columbus made an “Ark of the Covenant” to carry the statue from the church to the school. After Mass, the statue was mounted by the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard as the entire congregation processed through the school to the main entry foyer for a special dedication and placing of flowers at Our Lady’s feet. Over 250 parishioners and guests continued the celebration in the gym with live music and delicious food. Sister Marie Blanchette, O.P. Principal of St. Mary’s School described the moment, “It was a day rich in God’s blessings. It was beautiful to see the whole parish come together to honor the Mother of God. The devotion and love for Our Lady were tangible. From now on when someone walks in the doors of St. Mary’s School, the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe will serve as a reminder of the love Mary and her Son has for each of us. What a blessing to our school and parish community!”
St. Mary’s Catholic School is located in Oak Ridge and was established in 1950 to provide a Christ-centered education to students in Pre-K through the 8th grade. For more information about St. Mary’s School, please call (865) 483-9700 or visit www.stmarysoakridge.org.
