August 29, 2024
Roadside memorials are a public expression of grief that have existed for centuries, and in modern times, they have become increasingly common, not only with the deaths of well-known personalities such as Princess Diana but also for ordinary people killed in highway accidents.
One of the most viewed roadside shrines is that of Our Lady of the Highways in Childs, Maryland, right off I-95 on the grounds of the novitiate for the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The statue of the Blessed Virgin, which is surrounded by a garden, looks out upon a stretch of highway that was the site of a tragic multi-vehicle accident in 1968 that killed two men and a woman, whose car was crushed between two tractor-trailers on a foggy morning. In all, 14 tractor-trailers and six cars were involved in the accident.
A story by SueAnn Howell in the National Catholic Register said, “The loud bang of metal striking metal and the sound of smashing glass roused the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, whose novitiate house was up the hill from the accident site, causing the novices and priests to rush through the mist, climbing over the highway fence to assist the injured and first responders.”
The tragedy so moved the oblates that they erected a shrine on their property to Our Lady of the Highways as a memorial for those who died and as an appeal to motorists to drive safely under the mantle of the Blessed Virgin. The original 5-foot statue, which was dedicated in 1971, was replaced by a 12-foot marble statue in 1986.
“This sacred statue, known by many travelers as the “Stone Lady,” symbolizes Mary as the patron of spiritual travelers, watching over all of the faithful’s journeys,” Howell wrote. The statue and surrounding area were recently refurbished, and every year it is viewed by tens of millions of truckers and motorists.
The Oblates have a prayer ministry for travelers and pray the rosary regularly for them. For more information, go to Oblates.org/our-lady-of-the-highways
Traveler’s Prayer to Our Lady of the Highways
Our Lady of the Highways, may my traveling be to the honor and glory of your Divine Son.
Enlighten my way and protect me on this journey.
Bring me back home safe in mind, body, and soul.
Through Christ, your Son.
Amen.
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And may God go with you as you travel this holiday weekend.
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