Our Lady Mary, protect our city
As children look for their mother
not only in need but also from affection,
so we look to you for strength and comfort,
and for feelings of sympathy in joy and sorrow.
We would like to be with you
and ask you to respond to our prayers
by your kind presence in our city.

Pray for our town and for all
who live in it as residents or as guests,
and show your special care to seafarers
when they visit the ports in our city.
Keep them safe here and on their voyage
and let them return home safely.

We ask the same for our guests and tourists:
offer them your protection so that they may have
a good time and a reason to return.

Pray that all who live here enjoy peace and tranquility,
and be open to signs of hope, peace and justice.
Let tolerance be the key to happiness for all people,
including those who come from afar
to live with us in this town.

We pray that no one will be sent away against his will
and that sufficient work may be found
for all who search for it.

Our Lady, protect our city.
Amen

Statue of Our Lady Mary
Under Mary's protective mantle - lifted by two angels - we see Rotterdam. The city seen from the river through the eyes of captains, who gave the statue to the Steiger church.
creator: Gérard Héman