The Shrine of Our Lady of Wisdom

The Shrine of Our Lady of Wisdom is located behind Francis Hall, in the direction of the Allegheny river.  This area was formerly on the grounds of Christ the King Seminary which was located here on campus.  The shrine was designed by Rev. Columban Duffy, O.F.M., a professor of Dogmatic Theology at the seminary.  The architecture for the shrine was an adaptation of the classical Tempo D'Amore, which the Romans dedicated to their goddess Diana.  The shrine is composed of a three tiered pedestal surmounted by six columns which support a crescent bearing a Greek inscription from the book of Ecclesiasticus; it translates "I make Doctrine to shine forth as the morning light."  This passage has frequently been used in reference to Mary.

On the pedestal is an eight foot tall statue of Mary, which was carved in Italy from white Cararra marble found near the outskirts of Rome.  It was sculpted by Frederick C. Shrady.  The statue was installed in the summer of 1956.

_________________________________________________________________________________________  'Round the Square, Priest Designer." Bradford Era  1956.
Moore, Sara. "Statue stands tall after 41 years, abuse." Bona Venture 4 April 1997: 2.