Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Queen of Angels Cemetery in Winter Park marks its fifth anniversary as the first diocesan cemetery in the Diocese of Orlando. As part of Phase II, four new Marian gardens have been introduced, each featuring a bronze statue of the Blessed Mother: Our Lady of La Vang, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Blessed Virgin Mary Our Lady of Mercy, and Mary, Mother of Christ. These statues were crafted in Italy by Biondan.

David Branson, director of cemeteries for the diocese, explained his choice for these statues by emphasizing their universal appeal. “To speak to the universality of Mary’s providence, passion, mercy and grace upon us is a universal and global experience and blessing,” he said.

Our Lady of Guadalupe was chosen for her significance to Spanish-speaking cultures across North and Central America. She first appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531 with a message emphasizing her role as a mother offering solace and guidance. The statue shows her standing over the moon.

Next selected was Our Lady of La Vang who appeared to Vietnamese Catholics hiding from persecution in 1798. Father Chau Nguyen from St. Philip Phan Van Minh Parish expressed that this addition provides comfort to the local Vietnamese community. “That people have a place to recognize and be laid to rest under the protection of Mary” is significant for them.

Mary, Mother of Christ was included due to her role in salvation history. Branson noted her depiction with infant Jesus highlights her importance as "mom to our Savior." Deacon Mark Fry emphasized Mary's contribution by quoting Pope Francis on how God's love became concrete through her.

The fourth statue is Our Lady of Mercy. Branson remarked on Mary's intercessory role: “Mary is a gateway of mercy for us to our Father.” Deacon Fry reflected on mercy's weight during difficult times: “Mercy comes to us in the heaviest moment of our lives.”

Father Miguel González from St. James Cathedral commented on the presence these statues bring: “At Queen of Angels Cemetery... finding comfort, finding hope, finding a mother that genuinely cares.”