This statue of Mary is found on Church Street near Pisgah Church Road. We have driven past it for years but have never stopped to ask the homeowners about this front-yard shrine. The yard decor dates from a pre-covenant era in Greensboro when people showed more individualism in their yards. This yard is across from what we like to call the world's tiniest house (here) and very near Eternal Life Baptist Church (here). Yard decor can be very polarizing. Let's hope the Virgin Mary brings out the best in neighbors and passers-by.
Some Christian religions place more emphasis on the Virgin Mary than others. While, likely, the keepers of this shrine are Catholic, today, we offer this Church Slavonic version of the Hail Mary (Ave Maria) prayer: "Theotokos Virgin, rejoice, Mary full of grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art though amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for though hast borne Christ the Saviour, the Deliverer of our souls" (from here). Some of the language of the prayer comes from the Gospel of Luke.
If you want to hear a fabulous version of Ave Maria, listen below to this one by eleven-year old Jackie Evancho from Pittsburgh, PA. Can you believe this perfect, angelic, mature voice comes from a young girl........ Ave Maria was inspired by the woman depicted in the simple plaster statue in the yard above.
Oh what a neshamah (soul) this child is! A girl full of grace, very blessed.
Thanks to you I now know who Jackie Evancho is. Let's hope we hear more of her and that she stays so pure and sweet.
Posted by: Dina | Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 08:52 AM
I so enjoyed this visit! The house is lovely, nestled in those big trees, and I do hope the owners get to enjoy the shrine they've so lovingly set up.
Thank you, too, for posting the clip of young Jackie...she is amazing, indeed! This was just a wonderful way to start my Sunday...:)
Posted by: Lynette Killam | Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 11:52 AM
What an interesting find indeed. And yes, the front yard is for sure a place which provides a kind of face for the home, maybe city as a whole.
May time and life continue to treat the owner kind. Please have a good new week ahead.
(Did explain the meaning and thoughts about the challenge on me site. Of great joy it would be to see you soon again.)
daily athens
Posted by: robert | Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 06:16 PM
Our whole family watched her every week on "America's Got Talent!" I love her voice - I wonder where she'll be 15 year from now?!
Great Ronald McDonald posting today, too!
Posted by: Leif Hagen | Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 05:16 PM