This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.


Path to Our Lady’s Shrine to be lined with memories
BY LIZ HAAS
Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church leaders envision a permanent walk of memories which will extend from the Shrine of Our Lady of the Woods to Beach Boulevard.
In charge of the project are Pastor Father Peter Mockler; Dr. Sidney Chevis, construction chairman; and Billy Monti, public relations chairman.
In 1989, the community began the restoration of the shrine, located to the rear of the OLG Church in Bay St. Louis, to its rightful state. The shrine was erected in 1847 and has survived several hurricanes.
As part of the restoration, a 700-foot granite-stone walkway is being constructed
on which approximately 11,000 engraveable stones will be placed. Monti said about 300 of the stones have already been purchased.
The stones may be purchased for a $150 dollar tax deductible donation. Donations will be used to pay for the St. Joseph’s Academy property east of Our Lady of the Gulf purchased in 1988 and to start a fund to build other parish facilities on the land.
Concrete laying began two weeks ago with Wilbert Dorsey in charge of the project. The brick-laying will begin within the next couple of weeks, according to Billy Monti.
Although most of the work has been donated by parish members, the group is try-
ing to find a professional bricklayer to handle the job in order to do it correctly and ensure that it will last for many years to come.
The church plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the start of the laying of bricks.
The stone engraving will be done by Riemann Funeral Home in Gulfport. Stones may be engraved in a purchaser’s name, a couple’s name or family name.
In addition, someone may like to remember a relative, friend, former teacher, pastor or organization that is dear.
Monti said, “It’s not just a project to raise money, but a way to help people preserve the memories of loved ones.”


Our Lady of the Gulf Church Document (146)
© 2008 - 2024
Hancock County Historical Society
All rights reserved