Pregnant virgin Mary watching over Old Town
PORTLAND — An artist’s rendition of a pregnant virgin Mary is overlooking the community of Old Town in Northwest Portland as an intended message of hope.
Photo credit: maryfulloflife.org
This is the sculpture featured on the Old Town billboard.
According to an article in the Oregonian, the Milwaukie woman who commissioned the photograph of the sculpture titled “Mary Full of Life” said it’s a testament to her deeply held beliefs and was not meant to be a political message.
Valerie Aschbacher told the Oregonian that it seemed appropriate to have such a billboard in Old Town because alcohol and drug addiction has damaged so many lives there and people need hope that their lives can turn around.
However, Aschbacher’s billboard has sparked some controversy as some argue that it also carries a pro-life message and a religious message that not everyone would agree on.
The billboard is located at the intersection of West Burnside Street and Northwest Third Avenue.
Aschbacher also has a Web site, which displays several photographs of the sculpture as well as Aschbacher’s message and prayers.