Lariccias make donation to shrine

Mary’s Tower holds a special place in the hearts of Tony and Mary Lariccia.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

Many couples fondly recall where they first met or where the marriage proposal took place.

Tony and Mary Lariccia’s special place is where they kissed and made up after a disagreement. It’s the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, and specifically Mary’s Tower, in North Jackson.

The philanthropist couple is donating $100,000 to the restoration and repair work being done on the landmark statue. The project, estimated at $105,000, began in July and will conclude this month. The statue and tower are replicas of the original Mary’s Tower in the mountains near Beirut, Lebanon.

Lariccia said he and his wife also plan to make another donation next year for the shrine’s 14 Stations of the Cross, which also are in disrepair.

Lariccia said he read a Sept. 25 article in The Vindicator, which focused on the refurbishment of the tower and the $105,000 cost. The Boardman couple’s connection to Mary’s Tower prompted the donation.

Lariccia said his wife was pleased by his idea to benefit Mary’s Tower. “It’s a 33rd wedding anniversary gift,” he said. “She agreed it was a good idea because the shrine is special to us.”

Here’s why: “We were dating in 1973 and were married Oct. 19, 1974,” Lariccia said, noting that the date also is his birthday. “We had some disagreements, some of them heated ... The shrine was the place we went to make up. She would drive up in her 1960 Ford and I was in my 1971 Pontiac.”

The Catholic faith, an important element in the Lariccia marriage, drew them to the shrine. “I think that our faith in God ... and the Lady had a lot to do with a good marriage and happy children,” Lariccia said. The couple are members of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Boardman and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Youngstown.

“I think the Lady helped us,” Lariccia said. “When we would meet at the tower, we would look at each other and she would forgive me ... my obstinance. We must have gone there six or so times.

“Now we go back once a year to thank Our Lady who helped us,” Lariccia said. “It how Our Lady works ... if your faith is pure and sincere and your wishes are based in love.”

Lariccia said he and his wife enjoy these annual visits. “It’s such a serene and beautiful place. It gives you a tremendous feeling of peace,” he said.

The shrine’s 80-acre property, 2759 N. Lipkey Road, borders Meander Reservoir and features outdoor worship sites, various shrines and a reception center. But the 16-foot Virgin Mary statue, carved in rose granite and positioned on the tower, remains the main attraction.

Lariccia said he contacted the Rev. Anthony Spinosa, rector of the shrine, who will receive the check Wednesday at Lariccia’s office at Merrill Lynch, where he is a vice president.

“The amount is almost too much to digest,” said Father Spinosa. “I’m not used to getting that amount of offering.”

“I think it is indicative of his faith,” Father Spinosa said. “He’s motivated by his love of the church. And that’s a wonderful thing.”

Father Spinosa said he spoke with Lariccia by phone when the philanthropist called to tell the priest about his intention. “When he told me about the donation, I didn’t know what to say. I’ve heard of him ... now I’m looking forward to meeting him.”

Father Spinosa said Lariccia shared his experience at the shrine with him.

The shrine also reported that The Vindicator article prompted other donations for the tower project. The shrine, which is part of the Maronite Catholic church, also had received donations from Maronite churches in the area, and the Knights of Columbus at St. Maron’s Church in Youngstown had held fundraisers for the project. A rededication and fund-raising dinner is planned Feb. 16, 2008.