Official Act of The President

A remarkable thing happened on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  The U.S. President, in an official act, asked the Queen of Heaven to bring peace to the world. Throughout his Official Statement, President Trump portrays Our Lady as God’s most potent instrument of Peace.  And he ties it back to her singular act of saying yes to the Will of God at the Annunciation, whereby Salvation entered the world.

When the leaders of nations seek God’s intercession for their people, peace and prosperity follow.  As Catholics, we know that when Our Lady is the most powerful intercessor before the Trinity. And when we pray to God through her, she takes our prayers, makes them her own, and brings them before her Son in a way beyond our nature.  And that is precisely what President Trump does in this official act.

“Today, we look to Mary once again for inspiration and encouragement as we pray for an end to war and for a new and lasting era of peace, prosperity, and harmony in Europe and throughout the world.” President Trump.

Again and again in Sacred Scripture, peace comes not from power but from humility. When leaders set aside pride and acknowledge God’s authority, they find that peace is not seized—it is received. The King of Nineveh humbled himself, called his people to repentance, and entrusted the nation’s fate to God’s mercy. At the Temple’s dedication, Solomon pleaded not for dominance but for forgiveness and proper order, knowing that only God could secure peace for the people.

These rulers understood a truth that remains urgent today: when leaders and nations place themselves under God’s law, peace follows. When God is honored, hearts are steadied, communities are preserved, and blessings replace fear.

Our own moment calls for the same approach, as there is no other. Peace begins when we acknowledge God’s sovereignty, repent of our straying, and align our actions with His will. In doing so, we open the door to the grace that heals families, strengthens communities, and renews nations.

True peace is not the absence of conflict—
It is the presence of God.

Please join me in praying every day for our President and the leaders of all nations to embrace this truth.

Merry Christmas,

Al Langsenkamp, President

The Our Lady, Patroness of America Center

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Update to Stakeholders and Annual Appeal

The World Has Changed - Get Ready!

Last year, I started this update with “The world changed in 2024,” referring to the historic National Eucharistic Procession in which Jesus Christ was processed across America, coast-to-coast and border-to-border, as Our Lord, King, and Savior. Then He arrived at the Eucharistic Congress held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

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Divine Presence changes the world; the effects are already apparent. Many dioceses are reporting record conversions and returns to the faith. Here in Rome City, St. Gaspar Parish is expanding facilities to meet demand. This year’s headline:

A Call to America’s Youth — Our Lady’s Plan Affirmed

A little over a year after the 2024 Eucharistic Congress, during the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, called the youth of America to follow the path Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America, laid out in 1956. He did this in the very spot and in the same Indianapolis arena where last year, the Eucharist was adored and loved by Our Lady’s children.

While he did not use the title Our Lady, Patroness of America, he touched on all the essential elements of the devotion in his call and challenge to the youth of America and the world.

Recalling the Request of Our Lady

Sr.-MILDRED-MARY-NEUZIL
Sr. Mary Ephrem

"Our Lady made known to me that she is particularly interested in the youth of our nation. It is they who are to be the leaders of this movement of renewal on the face of the earth… This is the great desire of her Divine Son, and it is to the youth of America that she is holding out this challenge."

Pope Leo XIV Speaks with the Youth of America​

“Today is also a special day for the church, as it is the memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We remember how Mary, even from her youth, offered her whole life to God. She invites us to do the same: to entrust everything to him. So as we begin our time together, let us ask Our Lady to watch over this digital gathering and to protect our families and friends.”

“You are not only the future of the church, you are the present. Your voices, they matter right now. The church needs you.” He also encouraged them toward ongoing conversion in their lives, saying,  “If you want to change the world, begin by letting God change you.”

“Seek the real friendship that Jesus offers you. Listen to him in prayer and let him shape your life. When you do this, you carry His (Divine) Presence into the world with joy, hope, with creativity.”

Pope Leo’s response to the last question of the day is best summarized in this recap by M,C. Katie Prejean McGrady: Thank you so much for your wisdom and insight. I know that we all really appreciate it. Holy Father, I want to repeat those three questions you just challenged us to pray through. What can I offer the Church right now? How can I help others know Christ? And how can I build peace in the world? 

That last line echoes the plea of Our Lady of America: “I need your help to bring peace into the world. Do not disappoint me.” (Our Lady, November 8, 1954.)  

That last line echoes the plea of Our Lady of America: “I need your help to bring peace into the world. Do not disappoint me.” (Our Lady, November 8, 1954.)  

Click here for report on Engagement, Outreach & Events

Heaven's Plan Unfolding Before Our Eyes

Pope Leo is clearly calling the youth of America to help her lead the world to the peace of Christ. I firmly believe that we are seeing Heaven’s plan unfold right before us.

The Patroness of America Center was a sponsor and hosted an exhibit booth at NCYC, marking our first time participating in a national event. Our team of five engaged with over 2,000 youth in three days. At this event, we saw Our Lady’s hope for America come to life.

Clearly, many of America’s youth are prepared and eager to take on this challenge. As we explained the devotion to the high school students visiting our booth, we received many expressions of joy and hope when they realized that Our Lady has a plan for them and a way to overcome the toxic culture in which we live.

Since the National Eucharistic Procession and Congress in 2024, the inspiration I’ve received in prayer has been clear: “Get ready!” The election of a US-born Pope who grew up just a few hours away, along with his focus on America’s youth and his message to them, confirms that we need to get ready—now! 

We must be ready to explain and share Heaven’s plan, support a multitude of pilgrims, and preserve and enhance our campus as a place where Our Lady will call her children

A Serious Challenge: Protecting Our Public Charity Status

But success can create new challenges: 

Over the last couple of years, we have been fortunate to be joined by new major donors whose generosity has driven recent progress.  However, this has skewed our total donations profile heavily toward major donors, placing our Public Charity status at risk.

As a 501(c) (3) public charity, maintaining a diverse donor base is required by federal law. If we do not secure at least one-third of our support from everyday donors and less than two-thirds from major donors (those giving more than $10,000 annually), we risk losing our public charity status. Losing that status would threaten our future funding opportunities from grants, IRAs, foundations and Donor Advised Charitable Trusts.  It would also disrupt program continuity and ultimately affect the progress we have worked hard to achieve together.

Our Lady needs your help now more than ever. If we can’t grow our support base in both numbers and average donation size, we might have to do the unthinkable—ask our major donors to reduce their support, which would frustrate Our Lady’s plans for America and the world. Please, please help. Please donate now! 

Our Lady needs your help now more than ever. If we can’t grow our support base in both numbers and average donation size, we might have to do the unthinkable—ask our major donors to reduce their support, which would frustrate Our Lady’s plans for America and the world. Please, please help. Please donate now! 

Our Hope for 2026?

The core message of Our Lady now acts as the antidote to cultural decline, as the family is attacked and its God-given structure is redefined through law. Meanwhile, the individual is being redefined in law, moving away from the image-and-likeness-of-God understanding toward the likeness and image of whatever.

The rise in pilgrims, the response at NCYC, and Pope Leo’s focus on youth clearly show that we must act quickly and diligently to promote Our Lady to young people and the world. Now is the time to widely share this God-given hope for our nation.

At the same time, we need to attract pilgrims, develop programs, and upgrade and maintain our facilities.

Now that our campus plan is almost complete (more on that in the future), it’s clear where we need to address deferred maintenance and what we can leave to nature. This year, we focused on roofing, gutters, and drainage to preserve the Oratory and the buildings we are maintaining. We installed heating and air conditioning in the Sisters’ private chapel and the Bishop’s wing. Unexpectedly, we spent nearly $25,000 on a failed retaining wall and a blowout of a 24-inch main drain line, and $13,000 on a new roof for the historic farm manager’s house. 

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We are beginning to exceed indoor capacity for hosting pilgrim groups during the colder months. Essentially, we are limited to 130 pilgrims, and we exceeded that when Fr. Glenn Sudano, C.S.R., spoke in November. We could address this by installing an elevator to serve the second and third floors, with an estimated cost of around $350,000.

As you can see, “Get ready” is expensive!

As we stand at this extraordinary moment in salvation history, it is clear that Our Lady is once again moving powerfully in our nation. She is gathering her children, especially the young, and preparing us to bring Christ’s peace into a world longing for healing and Truth. Here, at the Patroness of America Center, she has entrusted us with a sacred duty: to welcome her pilgrims, to comfort their hearts in Christ’s Peace, and to protect the very ground where she continues to call her children.

Please consider offering a generous gift in honor of Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America. In doing so, you place yourself in her hands and help her carry out the plan Heaven has revealed so clearly. Together, let us not allow this moment of grace to pass unanswered. Let us, her children, rise with confidence and devotion to assist our Mother in bringing Christ’s peace to America and to the world.

Thank you for responding to her call. Thank you for helping us “Get ready.”

Please pray for America and that Our Lady’s hope for our Nation be accepted by her children

May Our Lady, Patroness of America, keep you always under her mantle.

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2025: the Year Our Lady Gave Us an American Pope and Who Engages the Youth

Recap of 2025 Engagement, Outreach and Events

Local Engagement with Diocesan Conferences

 The year began with a booth exhibition at the Rekindle the Fire men’s conference in Fort Wayne, marking our second year at the diocesan event with even more engagement than the previous year. In the fall, we attended the diocesan women’s Kingdom Builders Conference for the first time, unveiling a new booth design and connecting with familiar faces and new audiences alike.
New booth design at Kingdom Builder's conference

Reaching Beyond the Diocese

A significant development in outreach occurred as the ministry expanded beyond Rome City and the diocese. On March 1st, Al was invited to Cincinnati to present on the devotion at the Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center. More than 40 people attended the Mass and presentation. Following the event, Al visited the former residence of Archbishop Leibold next door and viewed important artifacts connected to Sister Mary Ephrem, deepening our historical and spiritual connection to the devotion.

Youth and Family Outreach

Youth & Family Engagement
• 4 schools on field trips
• 3rd annual May Crowning
• 1st-ever Kids’ Day
• Annual holiday open house

Youth and family outreach was a major focus throughout the year. There were opportunities for fun in every season. Four schools participated in field trips to the center in the spring and fall. In May, we celebrated the third annual May Crowning Mass with youth choir members and readers. June marked the inaugural Kids’ Day, a community-focused event featuring games, activities, tons of prizes, snacks, and strong support from area businesses. During winter, the center hosted its annual holiday open house as part of the Lakeside Holidays celebration, welcoming families with over 20 Christmas trees displayed and a visit from Santa. These efforts strengthened relationships with families and expanded awareness of the center locally.

National Catholic Youth Conference: engaging with the young Church

The largest outreach initiative was also a youth event; participation as exhibitors at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, one of the largest Catholic youth gatherings in the United States, with approximately 16,000 attendees. The pinnacle of the conference was a digital address from Pope Leo, who engaged youth at Lucas Oil Stadium. He encouraged them to live their faith out loud and reminded them that they weren’t just the church of the future, but the church right now. So much of his message echoed that of Our Lady of America, particularly when speaking about youth as the leaders of renewal. As exhibitors, we engaged youth, clergy, and chaperones in meaningful discussions about the devotion and the role of young people in the life of the Church.

Not just the future - now

Digital Encounter at Lucas Oil

New Speaker Series Enhances Pilgrim Experience

While going out was exciting and essential, we also wanted to provide pilgrims coming in with new opportunities at the center. To enhance the pilgrim experience, the center launched its first speaker series, structured as mini-retreats integrating teaching, prayer, and the sacraments. Speakers included:

      • Father Kevin Barrett (May), speaking on the Holy Family and family consecration
      • Father Jeff Pomeisl (July), focusing on the hearts of the Holy Family and Saint Joseph
      • Deacon Cody Miller (September), presenting on Marian consecration in the spirit of Saint Louis de Montfort
      • Father Glenn Sudano, CFR (November), addressing formation, manhood, and the Indwelling of the Holy Trinity
Throughout the year, numerous priests celebrated Mass and heard Confessions at the center, including diocesan, newly ordained, retired, and visiting clergy. Our chaplain, Father Louis Fowoyo, celebrated multiple Masses, and Father Tom Celso from upstate New York returned to celebrate a Mass in the summer. We’re always grateful to our many clergy who make our Mass schedule possible throughout the year. 

Walking Pilgrimage Sees Major Growth

While we wanted to offer new opportunities, we also had a familiar favorite tradition to uphold, the annual walking pilgrimage. This was the fourth annual walking pilgrimage to celebrate the anniversary of the devotion. This year, our walk grew; we had 240 pilgrims join us as the statue of Our Lady was processed over 7 miles along Fishing Line Trail. Our Lady made sure the weather was beautiful that September day! The walk concluded with Benediction at the center, followed by a taco/nacho bar for hungry walkers to enjoy some rest and fellowship.

An Unexpected Blessing: Saint Gaspar Parish Moves In

An unexpected blessing was the temporary hosting of Saint Gaspar Parish during its church renovation. With diocesan approval, parish Masses were held at the center, strengthening collaboration and making sacramental life at the center even more vibrant with daily Masses and more Adoration. Bishop Rhoades celebrated Mass on the Feast of the Transfiguration at the center before the groundbreaking ceremony at the parish. This was the second year he has celebrated the Transfiguration Mass at the center, after celebrating it in 2022 for the consecration and renaming of the chapel to the Oratory of the Holy Family. 

We're Just Getting Started

“The devotion is carried forward by those who encounter it and go out to share it."

We’ve had more pilgrims come to our campus than ever before, and we’ve gone out to share the devotion more than ever before. Our outreach expands so rapidly thanks to our pilgrims and clergy who learn about the devotion and then go and share it with others, and we’re particularly blessed by the bishops who allow us to come present the devotion in their diocese. We have pilgrims coming by the busload, not because of some brilliant marketing scheme but because of some generous pilgrims who can’t help but share the joy.

2025 Photo Recap by Claire Stuerzenberger

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2025 Facilities Update

In 2025, we completed important upgrades and repairs to preserve the historic buildings entrusted to our care and to ensure their longevity for future generations. These preservation efforts would not be possible without the generous support of Our Lady’s benefactors.

Campus Assessment and Planning

Earlier this year, we began a comprehensive campus assessment and planning project with the support of a generous matching grant from the Center for Congregations and professional assistance from Browning Day. This process involved a thorough review of existing facilities to determine how each building could best support the mission as a pilgrimage site dedicated to Our Lady of America.

Guided by mission priorities, a campus plan was developed to:

  • Accommodate up to 3,000 visitors daily
  • Provide convocation space for catechetical activities
  • Share the story of Our Lady of America

At its core, the campus is envisioned as a place where pilgrims come to be healed, encounter the Peace of Christ, and depart with renewed hope. While the plan is not yet finalized, it provides sufficient detail to guide preservation priorities and inform responsible allocation of resources.

Storm Damage and Emergency Repairs

In the spring, a powerful storm caused the loss of approximately 15 mature trees and roof damage to several structures. The historic farm manager’s house required a complete roof replacement.

Following a heavy rainstorm, running stormwater was discovered beneath the Oratory. Investigation revealed that three 6-inch downspouts were discharging into broken and clogged drain tiles beneath a concrete patio adjacent to the Oratory’s foundation. The patio was removed, the damaged drain tiles uncovered and repaired, and proper drainage restored.

Drain Tile Failuere

Around the same time, a significant collapse of a 24-inch drain tile occurred on the south lawn. While the drainage serves State Road 9, the drain tile is owned by the center. Excavation and replacement were necessary to protect the grounds and prevent further damage.

Plaza Stabilization and Historic Preservation

A significant repair took place on the south plaza, where a century-old retaining wall—originally part of the 1895 Spa foundation—had failed. The wall was removed and replaced with a reinforced concrete retaining wall, stabilizing the plaza and ensuring long-term safety.

Capital Improvements

20251217_180801307_iOS

The most notable improvement in 2025 was the installation of heating and air conditioning systems. Three new systems were installed to serve the Sisters’ Chapel, Bishop’s Suite, and Vesting Room, and the first-floor system for the west wing was completed, recovering about 3,500 sq. ft. of usable space.  

Because the historic structure initially relied on steam heat and lacked ductwork, extensive modifications were required, including drilling through 12–18-inch masonry walls and upgrading portions of the electrical distribution system.  

Upcoming Demolition Needs

A non-historic dining room extension has sustained extensive deterioration from long-term water damage and must be demolished for safety and appearance. Additional non-historic structures may require removal in the coming years. None of these buildings are part of the long-term campus plan.

Projects Scheduled or In Progress

• Tuckpointing – $60,000 (Bid, partial completion in 2026)
• Dining Room Extension Demolition – $55,000 (Scheduled)
• Laundry Building Demolition – $55,000 (Bid, Deferred)
• Parking Lot Retaining Wall Repair – $15,000 (In Progress)
• Historic Farm Manager’s House Roof – $13,000 (Completed)
• Oratory Steps and Brickwork Repair – $15,000 (Pending Bid)
• Exterior Painting – $25,000 (Summer 2025)
• Oratory Ceiling Insulation Upgrade – $35,000 (Bid, Deferred)

This Old House: Looking Ahead

This historic building is a true gem, with a rich past unfolding into a promising future. At its heart is the Oratory—a sacred space where Heaven and earth meet, peace and healing abound, and the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ are available to all who come.

In 2026, planning and architectural work will begin to envision a fitting Oratory from which Our Lady may continue to call her children to her Son, Jesus Christ.

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NCYC 2025 – The Pope’s Not the Only One with a Funny Hat

NCYC 2025 was one for the books! The National Catholic Youth Conference alternates between Indianapolis, IN. and Long Beach, CA. bringing young people by the tens of thousands. It’s three days of Catholic hysteria, in the very best way. Crazy hats are traded amongst youth, Masses are celebrated in spaces ranging from tiny chapels all the way to Lucas Oil Stadium, and youth from California to New York have a life-changing experience with Jesus Christ and His Church; it’s America’s own mini World Youth Day. 

 

However, mini isn’t a word that comes to mind when experiencing NCYC. Around 16,000 youth converged from all over the United States into the Indiana Convention Center in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. They brought with them a small army of chaperones, over 240 priests, and 26 Bishops. Not only that, their gathering was powerful enough to attract the Holy Father, who first the first time ever joined them in a digital encounter. 

 

We at Our Lady Patroness of America Center couldn’t resist joining in the fun, especially so close to home. We had a small booth to help America’s youth learn about their patroness, Our Lady of America. There were over 150 other exhibitors who came to share their ministries, their colleges, their cool Catholic clothing lines, their jewelry and art, their vocational guidance, their service projects, and even their fun games; each one desiring one thing, to help youth live their faith out loud. We had great conversations with young people, their youth ministers, and their pastors. We met people from Hawaii, Kansas, Oklahoma, Montana, Florida, Iowa, California, and New York just to name a few. We sold out of chapel veils, and we had hundreds register to be part of our giveaway, with one lucky winner taking home a 14” statue of Our Lady of America. Many passing our booth remarked how beautiful she was, and were encouraged by her messages. 

 

We also had the great joy of being able to attend the digital encounter with Pope Leo XIV at Lucas Oil Stadium. It providentially coincided with the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pope Leo noted this feast, connecting the event which took place in Our Lady’s youth with an invitation to the youth gathered; “We remember how Mary, even from her youth, offered her whole life to God. She invites us to do the same: to entrust everything to Him.” 

 

A key component of the devotion to Our Lady of America is her emphasis on the youth being the leaders of renewal; Sr. Mary Ephrem’s diary entry from February 1958 reads, “Our Lady made known to me that she is particularly interested in the youth of our nation. It is they who are to be the leaders of this movement of renewal on the face of the earth. Their ranks will be swelled by the youths of other nations, whom Our Lady also calls to help in the accomplishment of this great renewal… This is what Our Lady is working for, because this is the great desire of her Divine Son, and it is to the youth of America that she is holding out this challenge.” It seems as though Our Lady and the Holy Father have been in close communication as Pope Leo’s message was the same. Echoing the words of his predecessors, he emphasized the youth as the Church’s now:  “You are not only the future of the Church. You are the present. Your voices, your voices, your ideas, your faith matter right now. And the Church needs you. The Church needs what you have been given to share with all of us. If you want to help the Church prepare for the future, start by being involved today.” He also challenged the youth to a humble and daily faithfulness, giving the example of two of the Church’s recently canonized youth Saints, Pier Giorgio and Carlo Acutis.

 

The digital encounter concluded with this recap from emcee, Katie McGrady: “Thank you so much for your wisdom and insight. I know that we all really appreciate it. Holy Father, I want to repeat those three questions you just challenged us to pray through. What can I offer the Church right now? How can I help others know Christ? And how can I build peace in the world?” Particularly, that last question is one that Our Lady offers as both a challenge and a promise to each of us. In November 1954 she said to Sister Mary Ephrem (and each of us), “I need your help to bring peace into the world. Do not disappoint me.” 

 

Despite what it may seem, the current trends among youth are looking quite promising; Bible sales are through the roof, OCIA classes are expanding, especially on college campuses, and youth and young adult conferences are seeing record-breaking attendance. The Church continues to emphasize “ordinary” holiness, canonizing young saints and families, mothers and fathers and children together. Our Lady too emphasizes in her messages to Sister Mary Ephrem her desire to bring peace through the transformation of young people and families. In her house, we are all her children, her youth, and each of us as a place at the table and a gift to share. May those gifts be shared generously, just like those NCYC funny hats. 

 

You can watch the livestream of Pope Leo’s conversation with the youth HERE. 

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