There are lunatics ln both sides. Well, just one actually

[MajGenl.Meade]

PASSAIC, N.J. (WPIX) — A community-built, un-permitted shrine to the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe was dismantled by the City of Passaic on Wednesday, 14 years after it was erected. The elaborate and colorful site on the side of a Route 21 overpass on Hope Avenue and Madison Street was a sanctuary for many.

"We have a place to come and kneel to it," said Maria Cheaz, a city resident. "It was very spiritual."

Cheaz said she has come to light candles at the site before, but will not be returning now that it's been torn down. "They destroyed it," she said.

Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said community members ran illegal power lines from the shrine to PSE&G utility poles and the obstructions covered fire department water lines.

"No one is allowed to simply put up religious shrines in public areas, put up donation boxes and leave it there permanently," said Mayor Lora. "They were unlawfull​y receiving donations and money from people who were genuinely going there to express their faith."

The Bishop of Paterson put out a statement that the shrine was never condoned by the Catholic Church and any donations accepted at the site were done without the Diocese's involvement.

The shrine was erected after a local boy claimed he saw the face of the Virgin Mary appear on a wood stump. The stump was placed inside a glass case and the housing and decorations around it followed.

[Big RR]

I've seen that shrine, but never knew the story behind it--I just assumed it was one of the many road side shrines you see where someone was killed on a street, usually in a car accident.

[Sue U]

A look at the shrine:



Pretty impressive for an impromptu roadside monument.

[BoSoxGal]

Did they paint over all that mural work, or just dismantle the shed and seating?

[RayThom]

I'd hate to see the wall art destroyed. Philly has thousands of murals. It's a great medium.

Here's some of it. Roll the tape: