“From the Archives” — Garden Statues

The Basilica of Saint Mary is blessed with beautiful, peaceful statues located in the small gardens located on the north and south sides of the church.

North Transept (Wing) Garden — Our Lady of Grace. The statue was dedicated in 1988 in honor of Wilbert and Helen May. The garden is dedicated to Miss Marian E. Nowland, a former Court Kavanaugh, No. 54 and Virginia State Regent, Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She was a very active, devoted member of Saint Mary’s parish her entire life. Miss Nowland was named as Saint Mary’s representative to the diocesan Outstanding Women of each parish, and honored at a program at Holy Spirit Church with Bishop Paul Loverde. She died in March 2009.

 

South Transept Garden — Our Lady, as a Child, with Saint Anne. Donated by the Barrett Family in memory of their parents, Michael J. Barrett (1896-1984) and Margaret M. Barrett (1901-1997). A Navy family from Boston, the Barretts came to Old Town (living on Pitt Street) before World War II, and were devoted and active parishioners for many decades. Mrs. Barrett was active in the    Legion of Mary and Catholic Daughters, and was instrumental in starting the parish ministry serving Woodbine and Sunrise assisted living facilities. Two of their children, William “Billy” Barrett and Betty Barrett Maag, lived their entire lives in Saint Mary parish and were also very active in numerous activities, from devotions and Eucharistic ministry, to school parents and volunteers, and as money counters.

Also in the south garden you will find the newest of our outdoor statues, the Holy Family, the Child Jesus with Mary and Joseph. It was installed in 2016 in honor of David Gorman, donated by his family.

— Kitty Guy, Parish Historian

 

In 2020, to commemorate the 225th anniversary of our parish, we started “From the Archives” as a weekly feature online and in our bulletin to spotlight the history of Saint Mary’s. Due to its popularity, we are continuing the series in 2022. An archive of the features is located here.