Friday, February 8, 2013

Bolivia Lauds World's Largest Virgin Mary Statue; Rises 22 Feet Taller Than Brazil's Statue of Christ

The largest statue of the Virgin Mary in the world -- dedicated to Our Lady of Socavon -- was inaugurated at a February 1, 2013 ceremony in the city of Oruro in Bolivia, according to the Catholic News Agency website.

Rolando Rocha -- the lead sculptor for the project -- told reporters that more than simply "a work of engineering and art, the monument is an act of faith that strengthens our traditions."

Towering at 149 feet, the statue is located on a 12,000-foot mountain south of LaPaz -- Bolivia's capital and second largest city. It stands 22 feet taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The statue's unveiling ceremony was attended by both Bolivian president Evo Morales and Oruro mayor Rossio Pimentel. Our Lady of Socavon is the patroness of miners.

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