Our Lady of the Highways
Our Lady of the Highways Shrine
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales extend a warm thank you to Cecil County History Facebook page for highlighting Our Lady of the Highways and sharing the story with new readers. We are grateful for the opportunity to share even more of this shrine’s history.
The origins of the shrine dated back to 1968, when a foggy October night on Interstate 95 led to a devastating seven-car collision just yards from an Oblate residence. Many Oblates rushed from their home to assist the injured and comfort the dying along the busy highway.
In the years that followed, the Oblates erected a statue of Our Lady as a tribute to those who had lost their lives and as a reminder to motorists to drive safely. The monument was soon dedicated as the Shrine of Our Lady of the Highways, invoking Mary, the Mother of Christ, as the protector of travelers. This effort sparked a spiritual movement known as Mary’s Travelers, through which the Oblates and their supporters sought the Virgin Mary’s intercession for all journeying on the road of life.
The original statue, installed in 1971, stood five feet tall and was crafted from cement. In 1986, it was replaced with a 12-foot marble statue carved from Carrara stone, giving the shrine a new and more enduring presence along the interstate.
Original dedication of the shrine in 1972
In recent years, the shrine underwent significant restoration. Landscape designer Bill Bathon and Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, collaborated on the improvements. The sign was cleaned, its letters repainted, and missing characters replaced. Colorful perennials were added to enliven the landscape, and overgrown greenery behind the shrine was cleared to better highlight the statue from the highway. The statue itself was cleaned to remove algae, and finishing touches included a new lighting system and white stone trim placed around the restored sign. Thanks to these improvements, Our Lady can now be seen by travelers at any hour of the day or night.
After the re-beautification was complete, the Oblates hosted a Rededication and Blessing of the restored shrine in Childs. Although the weather did not cooperate, Bishop William Koenig of Wilmington joined the community for a simple ceremony held in Annecy Hall chapel. The statue of Our Lady of Light stood in temporarily for the “Stone Lady” as Oblates and supporters prayed for Mary’s protection, guidance, and direction. A celebratory reception followed, marking what the Oblates hope will be the first of many future visits from the Bishop.
Today, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Highways continues its mission: standing watch over all who travel, offering a quiet reminder of faith, hope, and safe passage.
(Include new photos and old newspaper photos)