07/19/2026
Having given lots of thought to the mixed and mostly positive reaction to our Lady of Fatima sculpture. I have come to the conclusion that all opinions are welcome and not wrong.
Asking AI the question about how many sculptures of Mary there are is quite revealing. The answer is that they number in the millions. Topping the list is Michelangelo’s Pieta; Then there is the Virgin of the Panecillo, Ecuador; our Lady of Lourdes; our Lady of Guadalupe; Our Lloyd of Fatima. Then there is the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington D.C. which features over 80 individual chapels and countless stone, mosaic and metal sculptures honoring Mary.
Whether she is depicted in marble, stone, bronze or made of scraps of burlap and sticks, perhaps the point is that her image is a conduit for our faith.
I personally imagine the real Mary was simple, no crown, no fancy gown. One can imagine the real Mary had dark skin, about five feet tall or less, humble, innocent as a child and very loving.
I sculpted Our Lady of Fatima with this in mind and then our fiberglass man, Kris Swaim added his part. Our Mary is unique as a result as are thousands of other interpretations.
Yesterday I was walking and carrying my two year old granddaughter to the pool here at Pirates cove to join her other cousins. She muttered “I love you” very quietly and kissed me on the shoulder. She did this twice.
This made me think of the core meaning of the images that have been created of Mary because the main point is love. She is symbolic of innocence, kindness and caring no matter what sculptural interpretation we give her.
I conclude that these various opinions come largely from sincere caring and, when negative, from a natural tendency to resist change. They are not wrong.
