Mary’s mantle embraces the entire Archdiocese of Seattle, from Vancouver to Bellingham, and throughout our history and future.  Our Lady of the Sound is a project that seeks to make this love visible as a symbol of unity for Catholics of Western Washington and as a bridge to God to all who hunger for meaning, healing, and peace. This future public site of prayer and gathering is an idea looking for a leader who will bring it to life.

Our Lady of the Sound is a proposal to create a sacred place that will attract, engage, and inspire the Catholic community of Western Washington.  This public site of gathering, pilgrimage, and prayer will feature a grand portrayal of Mary that incorporates our regional culture and natural beauty.  The core ambition of Our Lady of the Sound is to invite Catholics and the larger community into connection with God.

Our region has a rich legacy of devotion to Mary stretching back to Chief Seattle and his daughter, Princess Angeline, who was famous for walking the streets of Seattle with a rosary.  This project would celebrate the next chapter in Mary’s relationship with the Sound.

The Richard and Maude Ferry Foundation is committed to taking on the financial and managerial responsibilities of this project.  They will appoint a skilled project manager to gather a diverse team of Catholic leaders who will stimulate the wider community, contract a proficient artistic team, secure the site, devise a robust business plan, and raise the necessary funds.

We aspire for Our Lady of the Sound site to become a touchstone that fosters a deep, enduring connection between Catholics in Western Washington and the God who loves them.  Mary has shown, again and again, to be a bridge between communities and her Son.  We pray that she brings that same invitation to encounter into our Archdiocese.