Lift Up Our Lady
She has benevolently watched over the Camden and South Jersey communities for more than 60 years. Like Lady Liberty in New York and like William Penn atop Philadelphia City Hall, the Our Lady of Lourdes statue has long served as an essential area landmark and is counted among the largest statues in the country. Her bright nighttime halo is a beacon to all. Now it's time to show our gratitude and give her the repairs and care she needs.
Our Lady was not immune from the earthquake that rattled the Delaware Valley on August 23, 2011. The event shifted the middle section of the statue several inches and left her with a large vertical crack. Crews that included security officers, environmental associates, engineers and volunteers worked admirably to temporarily secure her and ensure the safety of patients and visitors. The effort though left Our Lady shrouded in scaffolding.
Her Light Turned Out
Illuminated at her base at night, the Our Lady of Lourdes statue serves as a light of hope and care. And each October, the statue is lit pink for breast cancer awareness month. Unfortunately, her light remained unlit this year due to her damages. Everyone in the Lourdes community and family across the region has been deeply saddened to see the Our Lady statue in her present condition.
At the recommendation of its engineering consultant and contractor, Lourdes elected to remove and lower the top three sections of the statue for on-ground repair. Removal took place on Thursday, November 3, 2011.
Saving Her for Future Generations
Hospital expenses for these significant repairs are $100,000. To cover these expenses, Lourdes Health Foundation has established the Our Lady Fund for those who would like to donate to help save this beloved lady.
"We are asking the community to contribute to the preservation of our iconic area landmark. She is a symbol of hope to many regionwide," said Ruth Cila, Executive Director of the Lourdes Health Foundation.
Make a tax-deductible donation!
Or, mail donations to:
Lourdes Health Foundation
Our Lady Campaign
1600 Haddon Ave
Camden, NJ 08103
An important figure for the Catholic and spiritual community,
and a symbol of giving:
Learn more.
Statue Facts
- Erected March 1949.
- Height: About 30 feet. Rises 185 feet above Haddon Avenue.
- Weight: 15 tons.
- Made of Indiana limestone, it was separated into six sections to facilitate installation.
- The 3-foot halo, which weighs 1,000 pounds, is lit by amber neon lights that flash on and off from dusk to dawn as a beacon to passing aircraft.
- The head contains a note of blessing from Mother Mary Paracleta. In addition, Bishop Eustace (right) placed a relic of St. Francis inside the statue.
