What Are Five Places in the World Named After Mary?
Five places in the world named after Mary are Santa Maria Tonameca, Mexico, Notre-Dame-du-Laus in Quebec, Canada, Sault Ste. Marie in both Michigan and Quebec, St. Mary’s, Penn., and Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Italy.
Santa Maria Tonameca is in Oaxaca, on Mexico’s south coast. It’s known for its wildlife refuges and aquarium. It also holds a yearly festival that celebrates the rescue of a statue of the Virgin Mary from the rubble of a church that was destroyed in the earthquake of May 1870.
Notre-Dame-du-Laus is a rural municipality in central Quebec. Part of the area is in a wildlife refuge. Most people of Notre-Dame-du-Laus speak French.
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., gets part of its name for the Old French word for “rapids.” It is connected to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, by the International Bridge.
St. Mary’s, Penn., was originally called Mariestadt, or Mary’s City. It’s found in Elk County and, true to its name, is abundant in elk and other wildlife. It’s the home of many Roman Catholic institutions, including the Benedictine Sisters of Elk County and Decker’s Chapel.
Santa Maria Capua Vetere is found in the Campania region of southern Italy. Its roots go back to ancient Rome, and among its notable sights are the arch of Hadrian and the Capuan amphitheater.
