Pope Blesses 'Broken Mary' Statue at Grand Rapids Church

The statue, found in a dumpster, has become a symbol of God's love for the broken and abandoned.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV blessed a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary known as the 'Broken Mary' during a visit to Grand Rapids, Michigan. The statue was found in a dumpster in 2010 by former Chicago radio host Kevin Matthews, who has taken it on tour as a symbol of God's enduring love for those who feel hurt and abandoned. The pope also approved the name 'Our Lady of the Broken' for the statue.

Why it matters

The 'Broken Mary' statue has resonated with many people who feel broken or worthless, serving as a powerful reminder that God loves and cares for all, even those who feel their light has been hidden. The pope's blessing and approval of the statue's name further elevates its significance as a symbol of hope and healing.

The details

Matthews found the statue in a dumpster in 2010 and was struck by the image, seeing it as a symbol of God's love for the broken. He has taken the statue on tour to hundreds of churches, sparking two books and a documentary about the project. When not on tour, the statue is housed at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Grand Rapids.

  • In 2010, Matthews found the 'Broken Mary' statue in a dumpster.
  • This week, Pope Leo XIV blessed the statue and approved the name 'Our Lady of the Broken' during a visit to Grand Rapids.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, a Chicago native who went to high school in West Michigan, who blessed the 'Broken Mary' statue and approved the name 'Our Lady of the Broken'.

Kevin Matthews

A Michigan native and former Chicago radio host who found the 'Broken Mary' statue in a dumpster in 2010 and has taken it on tour as a symbol of God's love for the broken and abandoned.

St. Anthony of Padua Church

The Grand Rapids church where the 'Broken Mary' statue is housed when not on tour with Matthews.

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What they’re saying

“How many people — perhaps we ourselves — feel like they are worthless or broken. It is as if their light has been hidden. Jesus, however, proclaims a God who will never throw us away, a Father who cares for our names and our uniqueness.”

— Pope Leo XIV

The takeaway

The 'Broken Mary' statue has become a powerful symbol of God's unconditional love and acceptance, reminding all who feel broken or worthless that they are seen, valued, and cherished by the divine. The pope's blessing further elevates this message of hope and healing, inspiring others to embrace their own brokenness and find solace in the enduring love of the divine.