Shrine History
Statue Construction
Sculptors Jack Anderson and Arthur Chaput, Jr. crafted the statue in sections, with Chaput often modeling in a bishop’s cassock to ensure accuracy.
Statue Installation
On May 31, 1972, after years of anticipation, the sculpture began a 40-mile journey to the Red Rocks Bluff. Accompanied by crowds and a live radio broadcast, the statue arrived by noon to be blessed by five priests before being hoisted into place.
As the statue was gently lowered into place, a portion of the hemline caught on one of the beams. To cut away this portion, an acetylene torch was required. Unfortunately, the torch ignited the polyurethane lining within the statue, and, in moments, smoke and fire engulfed the sculpture.
The L'Anse Fire Department quickly extinguished the blaze. Despite the scare, an inspection revealed no structural damage. Following swift repairs, the "Snowshoe Priest" was triumphantly placed on his pedestal on June 14, 1972, where he stands today as a symbol of endurance.
Dedication
The shrine was dedicated on September 16, 1973, during the annual Bishop Baraga Day Mass. Before a crowd of 1,500, Bernard J. Lambert gave the welcome address, followed by a blessing from Reverend John Hascall. In a nod to Baraga’s ministry, Rev. Hascall—who was of Indian descent—concluded the rite with a traditional prayer and the burning of sweet grass.