By unanimous vote, the 13-member Common Council of the City of Buffalo NY passed a Resolution in support of the Arch of Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and International Shrine of the Holy Innocents, on April 2, 2002. (Click Here to read full text of Resolution.)

The Resolution, introduced by Councilman-at-Large Charley Fisher, proclaims “that the good of society depends in part upon the vitality of its religious institutions,” and observes that the Association, founded by “leaders of Buffalo’s professional and lay Catholic community, has proposed to construct a monumental shrine in keeping with the tenets of the Catholic faith, which is the religious heritage of the majority of the residents of Buffalo."

Addressing the Pro-Life aspect of the immense shrine project, which drew fire from local individuals when first announced in the summer of 2001, the Common Council stated, “the proposed shrine would also encourage increased respect for human life, including prior to the birth of the individual, a value much needed in the present day notwithstanding that there are differing opinions on the issue of ‘pro-life’ versus ‘pro-choice.’”

The Resolution notes that “the shrine would attract pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the continent and the world,” and that the shrine is to be “built according to high standards of architectural beauty and integrity” and will “add to Buffalo’s treasure of renowned architectural attractions,” concluding with a statement that the Common Council “approves and supports” the efforts of the Association.

The Association releases the following response by its Executive Director, Laurence D. Behr, Esq.:

“We are grateful for the Common Council’s support, and in particular for its recognition that respect for human life is not a divisive issue, but is instead the bedrock foundation of all law and morality. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, exemplified respect for life when, through her great faith in God, she accepted an unplanned and unwed pregnancy, in the context of a society that, much more than our own, stigmatized and punished such a condition. The Holy Innocents, slain by King Herod in his effort to murder the Christ Child, exemplify what can happen when people put worldly values above love and respect for the weakest members of society.

“This great and awesome shrine is about far more than the pro-life issue, however. It also will promote the importance of family life, the only “building block” of society, which is so challenged today, and is indeed in crisis. The family is under attack from the forces of consumerism, materialism, and hedonism. These are opposed by the spiritual values this shrine will proclaim, through the example of Mary’s poverty of spirit, and her beautiful and childlike purity of heart. The shrine will include a monumental statue of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary and Joseph— established by God as an example for all families, of the selfless love and devotion that is proper between family members, and so essential for the transmission of sound, life-giving values from generation to generation.

“Further, the shrine will promote true peace between individuals and peoples. The Infant Prince of Peace, Jesus, Love Incarnate, upraised by His Mother Mary and presented to the world as the answer to its seemingly impossible conflicts, will proclaim to all that with God, Who is Love, all things are possible.

“This great shrine will be a place of healing, refuge, hope, consolation and peace, for peoples everywhere, and of every faith. Our Common Council has shown wisdom in recognizing the great and unmitigated blessing that The Arch of Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and International Shrine of the Holy Innocents will be, not only for the people of Buffalo, but for our country and the world.

“We already have begun to receive a great outpouring of support and encouragement from faithful people around the U.S. and Canada, many local chapters have started in both countries, and people in distant countries have expressed great enthusiasm and have offered their help. We ask all people of faith to support this great endeavor, and join us in seeking a return to God, to the goodness of sacrificial love, and to purity of heart.”