Bluff Park Neighborhood Assoc. *** Beach Area Concerned Citizens

Article: A Prayer for Safety

Nov 16, 2001

A Prayer for Safety
by Cindi Rogan

On any given day a passerby may witness Buddhist Monks in orange robes and sandals maintaining the Shrine to Mary at 3361 East Ocean Blvd. A perfect symbol of the freedom, unity and respect for religious differences we have in our society.

Prayerfully standing in a cast stone shell, the Shrine to Mary on Ocean Blvd looks out to sea over the shores of Bluff Park.

The symbolism as stated by Mother Mary Elizabeth, in a 1954 PT article is that Mary is praying for the safety of the shores of Long Beach, our harbor and Los Angeles in the event of war.

Completed in 1954, the statue was carved from Italian marble by Pietra Bassanti of Carrera, Italy, (at the time known as one of Italy?’s finest sculptors). The shell stands 7ft tall, weighs 1800lbs, and made from cast stone reinforced with steel.

Below the statue, a plaque of bronze reads:

Holy Mary Mother of God
Pray for us
Pray for the faithful of this area
And our Archdiocese
Pray for the beloved of our nation
Pray for and direct those who govern us
Pray for our benefactors
Holy Mary Mother of God
Pray to thy Divine Son and for all of us


Once the site of Carmel of St. Joseph, the Buddhist monks, with a promise to preserve and care for the shrine to Mary, purchased the convent.

Where once veiled nuns in brown habits and sandals maintained the shrine, now Buddhist Monks in orange robes can be seen carefully removing old flowers and arranging the fresh bouquets left by loyal visitors. A great example of religious tolerance and respect within groups of culturally different people.