April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
BLESSED MOTHER
Small statue makes big impact in Latham
The draw is a small, blue-and-white statue of Mary, a staple outside his Nationwide Insurance branch on the Latham Circle for the past decade.
It's cemented to the sidewalk outside the office's plate-glass window, as two other statues were stolen in the past.
"I think they either needed it, or maybe it was kids playing a practical joke," said Mr. DeVito, a parishioner of St. Ambrose Church in Latham.
Other reactions to the statue of the Blessed Mother have always been positive. One woman stops to kiss the statue on her way to a nearby bus stop every day; another person replaces a vase of roses in front of it every month.
Many visitors have stopped to pray. Others have come into the office to express their support.
"It's just a privilege to see how people react," said Mr. DeVito. "I'm just happy to have something that means something to people."
Some people seem to see the statue as a welcome sign for tourists. "I saw the statue," they tell Mr. DeVito. "Can I get directions?"
For others, it's a photo opportunity: A five-year-old girl recently walked in with her teenage brother and asked permission to pose with Mary. Mr. DeVito was surprised that the teen didn't seem embarrassed.
The Blessed Mother "draws people of all ages," he said. "And it means different things." People's willingness to express their beliefs "shows the real strength that is there in the faith."
Mr. DeVito's decision to display the statue stems from lessons he learned at St. Ambrose.
"[The priests] taught us how to be more visible and proactive in our religion on a day-to-day basis," he said. "Among their teachings were the value of being silent and listening for God, and that we should have religious art as a constant reminder of God.
"They taught us to listen to God speaking to your heart and to what God places upon your heart to do. It was placed upon my heart to put [the statue] there. I feel strongly about my religion."
Mr. DeVito prays the Rosary daily and attends Mass with his wife of 25 years, Joan. Their daughter, Jen, is 19 and attends The University at Albany.
Mr. DeVito credits his daughter's success to her eight years at St. Ambrose School in Latham: "They provided a solid, conservative environment that let the kids grow and mature at their own level, not the pace the world sets."[[In-content Ad]]
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