Article updated: 2/1/2013 9:44 PM

Bolivia town erects huge statue of Virgin Mary

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A large statue of the Virgin Mary holding a baby Jesus stands Friday on Santa Barbara hill overlooking the mining city of Oruro,

Associated Press

People watch the unveiling of a statue of the Virgin Mary holding a baby Jesus Friday as flares are fired on Santa Barbara hill in the mining city of Oruro, Bolivia.

Associated Press

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The Virgin of Socavon is almost 150 feet high — a shade shorter than New York’s Statue of Liberty and 23 feet higher than Rio’s image of Christ. It’s built of cement, iron and fiberglass to withstand the fierce winds of the high plain.