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Our Lady of Peace Parish - Wow.

7/16/2012

9 Comments

 
Slideshow Below
On Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending the Treasures of the Church veneration that I've been talking about the last few months.  I've been building up excitement for myself since learning Father Carlos would be bringing back our heavenly "friends" to the area.  What a blessing!

Even more wonderful was sharing this experience with some Philly friends I hadn't seen in years.  After giving them the heads up that this would be happening in South Jersey, they generously made the trip out to join in the veneration with me.  A friend of theirs from Central Jersey also came out for the night.  How blessed is that?

Anyway, upon arrival at the parish (which I'd never been to before), I was met with one of the most majestic sculptures I've seen in Jersey.  I cannot exaggerate the enormity of this structure.  It smacks you in the face as soon as you turn the corner.  Whoever plotted out the design was brilliant.  It's location ensures that it can be seen from any angle as you approach, and the design, itself, is full of theological reference.  I love it!

Luckily, I had arrived almost an hour early (because I know how packed this veneration would get!) so I had plenty of time to take photos of the surrounding sculptures.  I've put them into the slideshow below for you to enjoy!

After taking photos of the gorgeous Crucifixion sculpture, I went wandering around towards the other statues that dotted the grounds.  A little fountain caught my eye, and as I neared, I found St. Joseph holding the Child Jesus amongst the spray of water.  To his left, I noted that this parish was lucky enough to boast an Adoration Chapel.  Yay!  Unfortunately, however, it wasn't open when I tried the door.  My guess is the organizers were attempting to herd folks into the church where the presentation was to take place, so I couldn't really grumble.  Instead, I snapped a few photos of the Pieta statue that sat in front of the chapel. 

When you cycle through those photos, note the gorgeous brick-work that serves as a background for those statues.  I have no idea who designed this parish, but kudos to whoever it was!  Everything is meticulously beautiful!

I saw a crowd of people moving up the stairs of the church, so I figured it was time for me to high-tail it inside.  Before I did, however, I stopped to take another photo of yet another statue they had outside the front of their church - it was one of Our Lady holding Jesus as a toddler.  I really liked that one!

Upon entering the lobby, I was immediately struck by two signs (also photographed) that I immediately wished were placed over the doors of all churches.  You'll see why when you read them.  Ha!

Inside the church, I noted some of the most exquisite stained glass windows I'd ever seen.  Each was a different apparition of Our Lady, ranging from Mt. Carmel to the Miraculous Medal to La Salette to Fatima.  Each was more brilliant than the last.  Unfortunately, I couldn't take as many photos inside the church as I had wanted to.  I didn't want to disturb those who were praying, and by the time the presentation was over, it was too dark to get good shots of these colorful windows. 

However, the painting of Our Lady that you'll see below is actually painted on their ceiling.  It is massive, so I apologize that it seems a little distorted.  It's only because I had a difficult time getting a proper angle of the ceiling without lying flat on my back in the middle of the center aisle.  Ha ha.

I think this is one of those churches I'll have to go back to to snap some more photos of.  They had a gorgeous statue of Our Lady in one of the niches to the left, and I wanted to photograph her so badly!!!  I knew I'd interfere with prayer, however, so I kept my longing to myself on that score.  They also had one of the most intricate tabernacle lamps I've ever seen.  If for nothing else, I'll go back just to photograph that!!!

Anyway, I feel very lucky to have found myself at this parish Friday night.  What's more, I learned that this is the elementary school my husband attended as a child.  How he was able to make his way through here and not gain an appreciation for our heritage is beyond me.  Ah well.  It's truly some beautiful, beautiful artwork, though.
9 Comments
Sandy
7/17/2012 03:58:21 am

If only I lived in NJ. Those statues are beautiful! I hope you go back to take pictures of the items you missed. I'll bet they're magnificent, too!

Reply
Marian
7/22/2012 03:55:13 am

Please come and visit Our Lady of Peace Parish again soon. As a member of this parish family for many years, I felt very blessed and privileged to have shared in the Veneration of the Sacred Relics. To spend an evening with Our Lord, Our Lady, the Apostles, Saints and those on their way to sainthood was beyond words or expectations. What a blessing, indeed! Heartfelt thanks to Fr. Mazz, Sr. Rita, and Kathie Restuccio for their efforts in arranging for Fr. Carlos Martens to visit our parish. His presentation was spirit-filled and very informative. May God continue to bless Fr. Carlos and his ministry.

Reply
Kari A. Janisse link
7/22/2012 08:40:30 am

Thank you for your kind words about our parish and it's grounds. I am the Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at OLOPP. I grew up in the Arch Diocese of Newark. God had a way to bring me to southern NJ and keep me here! I feel very blessed to be a part of this not only aesthetically beautiful parish as well as a parish full of beautiful people and priests! God bless!

ps-Last Friday was an AMAZING experience...I am still taking it in!

Reply
Peg
7/22/2012 09:03:22 am

Thank you for you wonderful comments about our parish. I was born into this parish many moons ago! Father Francis Cosgrove was the pastor then, The grounds are one third of what was there when I was a child. If you ever have a chance, the office has pictures of the everything. The Knights from all New Jersey assemblied at then St. Mary's Parish and walk the streets of Williamstown saying the rosary, then returning to the grounds. It was something to witness. Come back as often as you wish, all are welcome!

Reply
Marian Dillin
7/25/2012 03:55:01 am

I do remember praying the rosary from Library Street (where St. Mary's School used to be), down South Main Street to the Church as a child. This was usually done when we crowned Our Lady during the May procession on the Church grounds. It was beautiful!

Reply
Cecil Raymond
7/22/2012 04:17:12 pm

Thank You for your letter about Our Lady of Peace. I am an usher and have adopted Saint John Neumann Shrine. My former church in Sicklerville NJ Saint John Neumann merged with Saint Mary's which is now Our Lady of Peace Parish. Yes the presentation was wonderful and all the relics. Yes Father Mazz is wonderful as are all the Priest and deacons. Sister Rita is the best. I mis St. John but I love my new parish as well. The members have fallen over backwards to make us feel welcome. I have made so many friends there. God is just so so good. Thank you for your comments and please come again with others. All are welcome. God Bless you

Reply
Deacon John Kacy and Wife
7/23/2012 10:41:10 am

Thank you for the kind words, We belond to a beautiful parish with great leadership fro our Pastor Fr.Mazz and priest Fr. Markellos and Fr. Victorino. Thabk you for coming and sharing your experience of spiritually with all. Bless you and hope to meet you. Take care Deacon John Kacy

Reply
Gina link
7/23/2012 03:41:43 pm

Hi OLOP folks! So glad you stopped in.

I'm glad you appreciated the photos and commentary. I really do hope I get a chance to go back. Maybe when one of you is kind enough to show me the ropes and give me a little history!

I find Peg's comments fascinating. I love the idea of doing a walking rosary through Williamstown!!! Must've been a beautiful sight to behold!

You are all so lucky to have such a vibrant, beautiful parish. I'm so blessed to have experienced it for myself. You're all so kind to have shared this with us! <3

Blessings to you!

Reply
Karen link
7/21/2013 02:06:24 pm

Beautiful pictures of our parish! The adoration chapel is beautiful, too and incorporates various items from St. John Neumann church. Our parish is now also blessed to have a second adoration chapel which is located in St. Mary school. Come back and visit us again!

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