A statue of the Virgin Mary has been erected in the new Sullivan Memorial Grotto due to a generous donation from John N. Sullivan.

Sullivan funded the statue and Grotto in order to honor the Virgin Mother and his parents, Evelyn R. and Daniel F. Sullivan by their son, John N. Sullivan.

His donation also included an endowment fund to ensure the memorial’s upkeep over the years.

There was a lot of planning and work put into the space, with every detail thought out.

The placement was chosen because of the location’s natural landscape and its proximity to a common path and near important attractions such as Davison and Dana. It is also set back enough that quiet reflection is possible.

The statue itself has been placed up on the rocks and painted a greyish color to blend in well with the surroundings.

Right now, the Grotto smells of pine and mulch, a mix of scents that make the area seem like another world, rather than a short walk off of the main road.

Lighting was a serious consideration, and in order to make a softer and more illuminated effect, Mary will be lit up from the bottom with additional canopy lighting placed above in the trees. This way, the light will float around the statue rather than land directly on it, avoiding a harsh effect.

There is a slate path going up to the Grotto with landscaping on both sides, with a bench facing the statue and a kneeler to the left that will allow visitors comfort for prayer and rest.

Eventually, there will be a candle stand placed to the right.

The statue itself is not a traditional rendering of Mary, as typical Marian statues depict her in a very poised manner with a veil and folded hands.

This statue, however, shows her in a more relaxed posture and with her hair loose and hands are open, seemingly calling for viewers to come closer.

Rather than a serene look on her face, she has a more human expression.

The statue was created by Sylvia Nicolas, the same woman who did the Saint Anselm statue in front of Alumni Hall, the statue of Saint Benedict across the street from the monastery.

The Abbey Church was a bit of a Nicolas family project, as Sylvia crafted the Chapel of the Holy Spirit (which holds the tabernacle) and her father, Joep Nicolas, designed the stained glass windows.

On October 25, there was a ceremony dedicating the space, followed by a procession to the Abbey Church for the 4:30 liturgy.

Abbot Matthew Cooper, O.S.B. greeted everyone and President DiSalvo gave the welcome, followed by the recitation of intercessions and a blessing of the space with holy water and incense.