Original Photos Inside of the Immaculata - circa 1978

These newly discovered photographs show what Archbishop Lefebvre saw during his visit to St. Mary's around 1978. In his own words, he remarks about the beauty of the Immaculata and of its global importance.

"I can assure you that I agreed to the purchase in St. Mary's because of its magnificent church dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It seemed to me to be a symbol, raised up in the heart of America, and destined to favor the Catholic Renaissance of that great country.

I would never have accepted the purchase of St. Mary's without this magnificent sanctuary.

I propose that the Society of St. Pius X participate universally in this: that a collection be made everywhere for the restoration of this sanctuary, which must be like a beacon guiding souls towards their eternity.”