Shrine of the Blessed Mother

If you descend into the very depths of South Oakland, as far south as you can go before you hit the Monongahela River, you will come to the edge of a cliff. Tucked away at the bottom of a treacherously steep cobblestone road, nestled behind two isolated houses is a small grassy area marked by a narrow brick walkway, several large crosses, and a dome-like structure facing away from the entrance. This is the Shrine of the Blessed Mother. It is sheltered by the cliff that it clings to, while also being open to a grand view of downtown Pittsburgh and the parkway below. The shrine is a peaceful, secluded retreat, even though South Oakland is hardly known as a quiet neighborhood- especially to Pitt students.

This Catholic shrine features a lovely statue of the Virgin Mary within a brick arch. Shrines like these are frequently seen in Italian Catholic backyards (see Jonalyn’s story for more). Kneelers and benches provide a comfortable space for visitors to pray and give devotion to the Blessed Mother. Because of her location here overlooking the parkway, Mary has been lovingly dubbed Our Lady of the Parkway by visitors of the shrine. It is said that she is visible at night due to the lights at the shrine, and that she is always watching over the travelers buzzing past on I-376.

In addition to providing a space to pray to Mary, the shrine has features that allow it to be used for several other purposes. Next to the dome containing Mary’s statue is an altar that was used when Mass was said here. While masses are no longer held at the shrine, the the altar gives the shrine the peaceful, reverent air of a church. The shrine is lined by a series of large wooden crosses for the Stations of the Cross, an Easter ritual of Catholics. These crosses are grand, and theyhumble believers as they reflect on Jesus carrying his own cross.