Sandy Hook mom to be honored at Ozarks shrine

If you find yourself anywhere near Laurie, Missouri, or the Lake of the Ozarks on July 23, you may wish to join an event at the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, to honor Jennifer Hubbard, nationally known speaker and award-winning writer, (including here at Aleteia).

Hubbard is the president and executive director of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, which she founded in memory of her daughter, who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and who loved animals. 

How she has turned that tragedy into hope is the subject of her upcoming presentation, called “Finding Sanctuary.” Hubbard is a Catholic speaker and retreat leader who is frequently featured at Legatus gatherings and her writings appear regularly in Magnificat.

At the event, the shrine will be unveiling Hubbard’s engraved name on their Mothers Wall of Life when she is here. She will join more than 5,000 mothers from 44 states and five continents whose names have been engraved in the beautiful black granite walls at The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church.

In a recent interview, Hubbard spoke of how those who encounter suffering can “have the freedom and the obligation to move forward in their life and live it with purpose and passion.” Her presentation will testify to how she has embraced that freedom and obligation to find purpose and passion in her own life.

Luncheon attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Hubbard’s book Finding Sanctuary: How the Wild Work of Peace Restored the Heart of a Sandy Hook Mother. All proceeds will benefit The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church. Luncheon tickets are $50. When you purchase one ticket by July 8, you will receive a second ticket at no charge.

“Jennifer uplifts us, so we would like to uplift her in some way,” said Terri M. Lynn, M.T.S., Director of Development for The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, in an interview with Aleteia. The engraving was a gift from the Mothers’ Shrine Board members.

Dedicated to Mary as Mother of the Church and all mothers, it is known affectionately as “the Mothers’ Shrine.” Its mission is to promote a true appreciation of motherhood, the preciousness of life, the integrity of the family, and an understanding of the Church community that gives Mary the title of Mother of the Church.

“Most people have seen the Vietnam Memorial Wall but don’t know there is a wall to honor mothers living and deceased,” Lynn said. There are over 5,000 mothers’ names engraved, with more being added as time goes on. You can order a name engraved on the wall here. 

Visitors are welcome and encouraged to come and enjoy the beautiful shrine, an oasis of peace. “The Lake of the Ozarks region has a hidden gem for the Blessed Mother with the Shrine’s presence,” she said. “We hope many will make a day trip to visit.”