On Sunday May 17, 1998, the Knights of Columbus Jubilee Council 3294 presented to the people of St. Magdalen's parish a Shrine of the Blessed Mother in honor of all mothers and all future mothers. The shrine was built to make people aware of the need to respect all forms of human life.
A beautiful marble statue of the Blessed Mother holding the Child Jesus rests on a granite pedestal with the inscription, "Mary Mother of the Unborn", "Blessed is the fruit of thy womb". A rosary of gray and black bricks was built inside the walkway surrounding the statue. The project was supported by the parishioners of St. Magdalen's parish by purchasing paver stones. The stones were then engraved and the inscriptions included many with family names, the honoring of deceased family members as well as religious sayings.
The dedication program included a procession, a May crowning, scripture readings, spiritual songs and the Knights of Columbus Color Corps. The blessing of the shrine was performed by the Most Reverend Edward Hughes, retired Bishop of the Metuchen Diocese.
St. Magdalen's parish invites the public to come visit the Shrine and to reflect on the importance to respect all forms of human life.
