A Marian
Shrine in the
Heart of Seattle
Our Inspiration
Mary’s mantle embraces the entire Archdiocese of Seattle, from Vancouver to Bellingham, and throughout our history and future. In fact, 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.
Again and again, Mary has served as a bridge between communities and her Son. Hoping to bring the same spirit of renewal to our region, we felt inspired to propose the building of a New Marian Shrine and celebrate the next chapter in Mary’s relationship with the Pacific Northwest.
Mary as Our Guide
After two years of discernment with a diverse group of Catholic leaders, we felt called to launch this concept. We imagine a new sacred site dedicated to our Blessed Mother that incorporates regional culture and natural beauty. What will the name be? Where will it be located? What will it look like? Those are questions for prayer with Mary and the broader Catholic community.
The Richard and Maude Ferry Foundation concluded 2023 with the appointment of Rossanna Ryan as the Founding Executive Director of our Marian shrine project. She will start by listening to the longings and dreams of Catholics across Western Washington.
We aspire for this Marian Shrine to become a touchstone that invites Catholics and the larger community into encounter with the God who loves them.