Massive Virgin Mary statue unveiled in rural Poland: Here’s what to know

A towering 55.6-metre statue of the Virgin Mary has been unveiled in a small Polish village making it the tallest statue in Europe.

The devotional sculpture in rural Konotopie was episcopally-consecrated by a local bishop in a ceremony on Saturday.

The primary motive behind this day is that it comes at a time when the influence of the Catholic church on public life in Poland has declined.

This remarkable remote location is just a few miles away from any of Poland’s population centers, mostly due to being requested by a millionaire couple who lives locally.

It has been observed that two helicopters circle cascading over the Virgin Mary which stands in a large crown with open arms during the iconic ceremony.

While Poland remains a predominant Catholic nation, many younger Poles in urban areas have alienated from the church and its traditions.

Attendees on Saturday included Lech Walesa who spearheaded the collapse of communism in Poland and later became the country’s first elected head of state.

In this connection, the 82-year-old told the Associated Press, “ I started with the Virgin Mary and ended with the Virgin Mary.”

Furthermore, local authorities intend for the monument to become both a major pilgrimage site and a tourist destination; as the statue features a viewing platform built inside its podium.