In a serene grotto at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita, a new Shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe stands adorned with beautifully expressive statues of Our Lady and San Juan Diego.
Bishop Stephen Berg of the Diocese of Pueblo consecrated the shrine five months ago on December 9, 2023, the feast day of San Juan Diego. Bishop Berg believes the shrine will be a source of inspiration and deeper devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe for children, youth, and families within the diocese.
The statue of Our Lady was meticulously crafted by artist Margaret, who modeled it from authentic renditions of the Virgin, paying attention to every detail, even placing the stars on the Virgin’s mantle freehand to match the image of the tilma perfectly. Margaret believes Mary guided her hand throughout the process.
The project, a result of extensive planning, fundraising and hard work by the Mary committee, parishioners, volunteers and donors, has already impacted the community deeply. One parishioner expressed gratitude, stating, “You don’t know what you’ve done for our community and for all the lost souls who are looking to the Virgin for peace.”
Adjacent to the grotto, a garden path leads to a touching memorial for the unborn and their mothers, featuring statues of Jesus and children, encouraging silent prayer and reflection.
This shrine complements the existing Shrine of St. Therese in Pueblo, offering a unique pilgrimage experience within the Diocese of Pueblo for an encounter of healing and peace with Our Lady and her Son.