Columbarium

saint mary's columbarium & consolation garden

The word columbarium is derived from the latin word "columba", dove, a symbol of God's Spirit and peace. Historically, the Church ahs laid its beloved dead in Church yards and consecrated places. In keeping with this tradition, Saint Mary's created a columbarium as part of the construction of the Daily Mass Chapel.

The Columbarium at Saint Mary's is located within the Consolation Garden beside the front entrance to the Church. Saint Mary's offers both a Single Niche and a Double Niche. The purchase price includes the urn to receive the Ashes, the use of a walnut ossuary for the funeral service, the opening and closing of the niche, and the engraving of the family name and appropriate dates on a bluestone face plate. Spaces within the Columbarium are limited.

In the garden is a life-sized statue of the Blessed Mother. The statue, created by Brother Joseph Aspell, depicts the Blessed Mother gazing at the crown of thorns. Her grief as she mourns the death of her beloved son is evidenced upon her face. Strengthened by the grace of God, however, she opens her hands in a gesture of compliant acceptance of God's plan. Ultimately, her belief that Jesus conquers death will grant her deep peace. Grief at the death of a loved one is inevitable. This statue reminds us that, like Mary, we are invited to move from grief to peace.

For further information and pricing, please contact Heather Heishman, 804-740-4044, ext. 122.
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