Our Lady of the Highways

Why a Shrine to Mary beside the highway?

In 1968, on a foggy October night, seven automobiles collided on interstate 95, just a few yards from an Oblate house.  Many Oblates assisted the injured and dying on this busy highway.

Later, the Oblates erected a statue of our Lady as a tribute to those who died, and as a reminder to all motorists to drive safely.  This monument was dedicated as a Shrine to Our Lady of the Highways to invoke Mary, Christ's mother, as the protector of travelers.

Eric Stocklin Photography

Thus began a spiritual movement that asks the Mother of Jesus, to intercede and protect travelers across the country. This became known as Mary’s Travelers and is a way the Oblates and their supporters have helped people on the road of life.

The original statue, erected in 1971, was 5 feet tall and made of cement. Replaced in 1986 with a 12-foot-tall marble statue, carved out from Carrara marble.

Historic News Articles


Our Lady of the Highways (Catholic News Service)

Our Lady of the Highways Song (Zoe Mulford)


Our Lady of the Highways (Interactive Google Map)