A giant statue of the Virgin Mary, towering 55.6 metres above the tiny Polish village of Konotopie, was inaugurated on Saturday, becoming what is believed to be the tallest Marian statue in Europe.
Footage shows visitors gathering beneath the enormous white monument, with worshippers praying and singing during the ceremony.
The monument was financed by Roman Karkosik, one of Poland’s wealthiest businessmen, and his wife Grażyna.
At 55.6 metres, including its 15-metre crown-shaped pedestal, it towers above Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, which stands around 38 metres including its pedestal. It also surpasses Poland’s Christ the King monument in Świebodzin, which rises around 52 metres above the ground.
A taller monument to the Virgin Mary stands in the Philippines, at around 98 metres, but the new Polish monument is believed to be the largest of its kind in Europe.
The Catholic Church played a powerful role in Polish public life after the fall of communism in 1989, drawing prestige from its support for the anti-communist opposition.
Its influence has declined in recent years, particularly among younger Poles and in cities, but the Church remains influential in many rural communities and among older generations.
Local authorities hope the towering monument will put Konotopie on the map as a major pilgrimage site and tourist destination. A viewing platform has been built inside its giant crown-shaped pedestal.
Source: Viory
