Story behind the statue

By Darrel Lejeune on Monday, May 31, 2021
P.O.W. promises memorial to Mother Mary in thanksgiving for safe return to Basile
  • These two descendants of the late Staff Sergeant Oris Redlich recently participated in the May crowning ceremony of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Piper Redlich (left) is the great-granddaughter of Oris Redlich. Kennibeth Burgess (right) is his great-great niece. (Photo by Deneen Ortego)
    These two descendants of the late Staff Sergeant Oris Redlich recently participated in the May crowning ceremony of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Piper Redlich (left) is the great-granddaughter of Oris Redlich. Kennibeth Burgess (right) is his great-great niece. (Photo by Deneen Ortego)
  • Staff Sergeant Oris Redlich - 25 years old (1942) (Photo courtesy of Redlich family)
    Staff Sergeant Oris Redlich - 25 years old (1942) (Photo courtesy of Redlich family)
The beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary that graces the front lawn of the St. Augustine Church Rectory has been watching over the local church parish and the entire Basile community for 75 years. The story behind her erection here is rooted in American history as well as local history and is highly appropriate to share this Memorial Day weekend. Journal According to a calendar kept in a…

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