St Patrick's Parish, Southport: Parish History

The Lady Shrine

To the left as you enter the church is the Lady shrine - a feature common to all Catholic Churches. Mary played such an important role in the history of salvation that she has through the ages been honoured and revered as Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church.

This particular statue was designed and sculptured by an Italian nun - Sr. Angelica. The original was made in terracotta clay. The copy we have is a fibreglass mould of the original.

What is unusual is that this particular statue, named simply "Our Lady of the Smile" shows Mary very much as a young peasant girl - she is serene and yet so proud of her child whom she lifts lovingly towards us.

The statue of Mary and the child was generously endowed by the parish Ladies' Group .