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Presentation by Father Kevin Barrett

February 13, 2024

On March 1st and 2nd, Father Kevin Barrett will be celebrating Mass at the Oratory of the Holy Family in conjunction with the First Friday and First Saturday devotions, and giving a presentation on imitating the Holy Family and on family consecration. Father Kevin Barrett is the chaplain for the Apostolate for Family Consecration. Recognizing our shared mission, he has been a long time supporter of Our Lady of America. He was deeply moved by his pilgrimages to Fatima and Lourdes and became more involved in the work of the AFC before becoming their chaplain. To read more about the apostolate visit www.afc.org.

The schedule for First Friday:
5:45 pm- Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary
6:00 pm- Mass
6:45 pm- Light Supper
7:30 pm- Presentation on imitating the Holy Family

The schedule for First Saturday:
10:30 am- Patriotic Rosary
11:00 am- Mass
11:45 am- Light breakfast
12:15 pm- Presentation on Family Consecration

This event is free and for people of all ages!

2023 Year in Review

December 19, 2023

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2023 came with an abundance of graces and a whole lot of fun at the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center! We want to take a moment to share all the great blessings and highlight some events that made 2023 one for the books!

One of the greatest joys of our mission is welcoming our pilgrims. This year we welcomed more pilgrims than ever! We love to see generations and people from all different states and countries receiving the devotion of Our Lady of America. We expanded our outreach this year: welcoming school children on field trips, hosting some religious sisters, hosting parishes in the diocese, hosting retreats like the Flame of Love Conference and the Divine Will Conference, and having our first exhibit table at the Investiture for the Knights of Holy Sepulchre (read more about that here). We also had the joy of hosting some larger events which you can read about below!

Youth pilgrims visit from Saint Louis Academy

A group of homeschool students enjoy a pilgrimage together

Terry representing our exhibit table at the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher Conference in Fort Wayne

Al and Terry Langsenkamp attending the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher Conference in Fort Wayne

Diocesan Scouts group inside the Oratory of the Holy Family

Diocesan Scouts campsite on the south lawn of the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center

Pilgrims from Saint Joseph Church in LaGrange

Marian procession during the Divine Will Conference

The highlight of the year was when Bishop Kevin Rhoades returned to dedicate the Altar of Sacrifice, which was damaged just before the 2022 blessing and renaming of the chapel.
You can read more about the day and watch the livestream here.

Bishop Rhoades consecrating the new altar

Bishop Rhoades and visiting clergy celebrating Mass at the new altar

Fellowship and celebration following Bishop's Mass

As the Church continues its Eucharistic Revival focusing on parish revival in 2023, we were blessed to host Saint Gaspar parish for their Corpus Christi procession. Parishioners walked a little over half a mile from Saint Gaspar to the Oratory of the Holy Family following the Blessed Sacrament carried by their pastor and our chaplain, Father Louis Fowoyo.

Parishioners of Saint Gaspar walking along highway 9 in a Eucharistic procession

Parishioners of Saint Gaspar Catholic Church join the procession

The Eucharistic procession reaches the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center

Once the procession reached the Oratory there was a brief period of Eucharistic Adoration

We continued hosting our First Saturday Masses every month, and added a Friday night rosary this year as well. Every Friday night, pilgrims gather to pray all twenty mysteries of the Holy Rosary. We also added First Friday devotions during the warmer months this year including a few Masses. The First Friday and First Saturday devotions are a vital part of our life here at the center.

Pilgrims walk to Holy Family Hill to begin Friday night Rosary

Pilgrims pray the Rosary on Friday night on Holy Family Hill

Father David Langford celebrates First Saturday Mass in the Oratory

In September, we held our Second Annual Walking Pilgrimage to honor the 67th anniversary of the start of the devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America. This is quickly becoming an annual favorite amongst pilgrims. You can read more about our beautiful day together here.

Pilgrims bring flowers to present to Our Lady of America

Many renovation projects have been underway in 2023, with many more still to come. For 2024 we are looking to complete projects like restoring the nun’s chapel and the Bishop’s suite, finishing the new vesting room and the attached bathroom, making the former vesting room into a Eucharistic chapel, and adding HVAC to the rooms that have been restored this year.

We also have begun the early stages of design for the sanctuary wall, thanks to the guidance of Bishop Rhoades. A long term goal is also to add a convocation center to host larger events and free the Oratory for prayer and Sacraments.

New altar of sacrifice in the Oratory of the Holy Family

New ambo at the Oratory of the Holy Family

Three new confessionals inside the Oratory of the Holy Family

Former vesting room and future Eucharistic chapel

Bishop's suite renovations and meeting space

Renovations being done inside the nun's chapel

We have had a glorious Advent and Christmas season at the Oratory. At the end of November, we hosted an open house as part of Lakeside Holidays in Rome City. It was amazing to hear people share their own memories and stories of our campus. We welcomed many pilgrims who had never been before or hadn’t seen all the many renovations!

At the beginning of December, we hosted Lessons and Carols to prepare our hearts for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Lessons and Carols is a great tradition of walking through salvation history via Scripture and song. Our choir did a stunning job!

One of many Christmas trees that decorate the center during the Christmas season

The Festival of Lessons and Carols was led by this stunning choir. We are so grateful for them!

Parishioners from nearby parishes gathered together to form one incredible choir

And so concluded another incredibly grace-filled and fruitful year at Our Lady, Patroness of America Center! We wait with expectant hope for the coming of our Savior, and for more of His goodness and blessings in 2024.

To read more about our future plans click here, and to support us in this mission click here.

Annual Fundraising Appeal 2-for-1 Match!

December 12, 2023

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UPDATE: Annual Appeal - 2-for-1 Match

WE MET OUR GOAL – AND THEN SOME!

We express our great appreciation and thanks to the many donors who helped us meet our fundraising goal for 2024. We exceeded the level needed to receive the entire $300,000 2-for-1 match from our Board. Even though the match was exceeded, the board has agreed to match 2-for-1 all donations made during the match period.

The generosity of our benefactors and board is so encouraging as we work to make known Our Lady’s great gift for America. Let us lead the world to peace with Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America, showing us the way. She brings us to the one true Peace, her Son.

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

So much has happened in 2023 here at the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center; it seems like a blur.

The highlight of the year was when Bishop Kevin Rhoades returned to dedicate the Altar of Sacrifice, which was damaged just before the 2022 blessing and renaming of the chapel.

In addition to Bishop Rhoades’s involvement and presence, we received a gift from Heaven. The gift is a deeper understanding of Heaven’s hope for America and how it will play out if we say YES and cooperate with Our Lady’s love for us, her children. Heaven has a very simple yet powerful plan to convert America and bring us the Peace of Christ. The week of Thanksgiving, I had the awesome privilege to discuss this with Bishop Rhoades. He affirmed my understanding of the gift and encouraged me to go deeper in understanding Heaven’s plan for America and to strive to bring her invitation to all who will hear.

What Heaven wants for the United States of America is not unprecedented. In December of 1531, Our Lady came to St. Juan Diego near Mexico City. As a result of the simple yet powerful Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, millions are converted to the Catholic Faith. Her impact is enduring to this day, almost 500 years later.

Does Our Lady have another Guadalupe Intercession in store for America? I believe she does.

But it is dependent on our cooperation with God’s Grace.

It is the work of the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center, to bring Our Lady’s invitation to America. And to encourage a resounding YES to our Lady’s request that we cooperate by following her plan to bring the Peace of Christ to the World. It has just two requirements on our part: always seek to do God’s will in our lives and remain in a state of Sanctifying Grace through the pursuit of virtue and frequenting the Sacraments. With this, she will work miracles of conversion.

Our Lady’s invitation to America is not well known. How can anyone say YES to an invitation that is never received? The invitation needs to be clear, concise, and inviting. It also needs to be inspiring. If we can make her invitation known in a way that inspires an ardent YES, then the Center has fulfilled its mission.

In 2024, we hope to bring more energy and resources to that work. To understand what is next, please see the report to our stakeholders, “PREPARING FOR WHAT’S NEXT.”

Once you have read the report, I hope you see that there is so much work to be done. And we need resources to accomplish it. I am pleased to report that, once again, our very generous and engaged Board of Directors will match 2-for-1 all gifts through March 31, 2024. For example, if you give $100, the board adds $200, providing $300 for our Mission. It adds up quickly. The board has committed up to $300,000 in matching funds. Even small gifts take on extra significance!

Will you join our Board of Directors to spread Our Lady’s Invitation?

Please pray and discern your role. We need your prayers and for you to spread the invitation to friends and family. If you can contribute financially, here is how you can help.

Please make checks payable to the Mother of Mercy Foundation, Inc., which owns and operates the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center and the Oratory of The Holy Family. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 Public Charity; donations are tax-deductible.

Mother of Mercy Foundation, Inc.

2730 E. Northport Road,

Rome City, IN 46784

Federal ID: 47-3185231

We qualify for donations made from donor-advised funds and, In most cases, qualify for employer-matching contributions. All will be matched. If you have any questions, please call our office or email office@PatronessOfAmerica.org.

To give online, please go to our donor page at www.PatronessOfAmerica.org/Donate.

May Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America, bless you abundantly!

Exciting Plans Ahead for the Center

December 11, 2023

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Report to Pilgrims, Volunteers, Patrons, Friends, and Family.

2023 has been a year of growth at the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center. Pilgrim visits are up 40+ percent, and the email list has nearly doubled over 2022. The mission is growing, and we are blessed!

And we are encouraged, especially considering that pilgrims are the number 1 focus at the center. We treat each pilgrim as if God sent them; I believe it is true. Each pilgrim is a gift! It affirms that Our Lady wants all of us, her children, to participate with her in bringing souls to Jesus Christ.

Second Annual Pilgrim Walk - Celebrating the Anniversary of Our Lady of America

Pilgrims walk the Fishing Line Trail, bringing Our Lady of America to the Oratory of the Holy Family.

Feast of Corpus Christi Procession

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This year has also been a banner year in other ways. Our volunteer corps continues to grow, with many taking on specific aspects of our mission. Since we only have two full-time paid staff members, the volunteers bring specific talents, pick up the slack, and further stretch our donors’ generous contributions. My wife, Terry, and I are among the volunteers dedicated to Our Lady’s mission in Rome City.

Over the last year, Our Lady’s mission for us has become more focused. This was done through Adoration, prayer, reading, and interaction with pilgrims, particularly with our clergy. And in one most important way…

Our Bishop, Kevin C. Rhoades (Diocese of Fort Wayne – South Bend), has been even more engaged in helping us to understand and fulfill Our Lady’s plan. I was graced to meet with him and Fr. Mark Gurtner, V.G., on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. From that meeting came greater clarity concerning the Center and how our mission should be accomplished. Frankly, I was a little overwhelmed by Bishop’s encouragement and desire to help bring Our Lady’s plan to fruition. It was apparent he had focused on our future in prayer and discernment during his preparation for this meeting. His guidance blesses us! We must step up more vigorously in response to Our Lady’s call and Our Lord’s graces.

Bishop Kevin Rhoades blessed a young pilgrim after the dedication of the new Altar in the Oratory of the Holy Family.

Bishop Kevin Rhoades dedicates the new Altar in the Oratory of the Holy Fammily.

Bishop Kevin Rhoades celebrates Holy Mass on the newly dedicated Altar.

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From our meeting, we now have directional clarity on the sacred imagery that should adorn the sanctuary in the Oratory of the Holy Family. In 2024, we would like to kick off the project and get drawings and project scope to the point where we can engage our stakeholders for input and feedback. Along these same lines, it is time to get a master plan for our Campus.

As we focus on the pilgrims, we need to be able to communicate Our Lady’s gift in person, in writing, and with video content, and even in languages other than English. Most important is her call to the nation’s youth. They have a unique and privileged role in her plan.

We must reach those who can never visit the Oratory of the Holy Family and bring them Our Lady’s message, hope, and mission. We need to get every willing soul in America who is open to participating in Heaven’s plan.

Some of this is within reach with our current staff and inside our current funding. However, the long-term growth of this apostolate will need more significant funding. What has become clear from 2023 is that our mission is growing, how we pursue it must change, and our efforts must increase in response. We are called to expand our cooperation in Our Lady’s plan for America.

2024

Our Lady’s call in this devotion is to live and imitate Our Lady in her Fiat and the Holy Family. This is not a call to merely imitate the acts (although that is good) but to imitate in the very essence. She calls us to do the will of God in our lives (Fiat) and remain constantly in a state of Sanctifying Grace through holiness and the Sacraments. This, on our part, will give her the instruments to work her miracles of grace in our country.

In addition to the planning for the Oratory renovation, here are the primary focus areas for 2024.

Bishop Rhoades indicated he favors the Holy Eucharist being reserved in the Oratory of the Holy Family in spiritual support of the pilgrims. This is our greatest hope for 2024. The Divine Eucharistic Presence changes everything! He will bring more to our mission’s success than anything else.

Due to our limited space for presentations and events, the Oratory is used in ways that are not appropriate for reservation. We are solving this problem by building (almost completed) a priest vesting room across the hall from the Bishop’s Suite. This frees the current vesting room to the right of the Sanctuary for a Eucharistic Chapel. To finish this project, we must add heat and air conditioning (HVAC) to these new areas and complete the bathroom attached to the vesting room. This should be finished by spring.

The downside is that the Tabernacle will not be in the sanctuary. Our long-term plan is to build a Convocation Center, which will provide the opportunity to hold larger events and, most importantly, preserve the Oratory as a place of prayer and Sacraments.

We also need HVAC for the Gift Shop, hallway, snack room, and offices in the west wing.

The biggest project that we have is one that is unfolding now. It is bringing Our Lady’s hope for America to fruition. We must reach those who will respond to Our Lady’s call by bringing more pilgrims to the Oratory of the Holy Family. And for those who cannot come here, we still need to reach them.

In response, we are working on an expanded event schedule for next summer. We will focus on presenters who love Our Lady, understand her call for America, and know that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the destination.

To reach beyond the Midwest, we are working on expanding our internet and social media outreach with more content. The content will be about the Marian Devotion of Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, the Patroness of America, and her plan for her children in America to bring the Peace of Christ to the world. What a privilege she is offering to us. It will also encompass the interactions with this devotion and other Marian devotions, and for those interested, it will address the theological basis.

In short, the content will show Our Lady’s plan for America as the antidote to the post-Christian culture that has overtaken our country and, for the most part, the world. This content will be produced in-house, but video content will need professional assistance.

Also, Bishop Rhoades teaches us that this devotion is not isolated and separate from other Marian Devotions. He points especially to Lourdes, Fatima, and Guadalupe. Meanwhile, this devotion is focused on America’s role in bringing the Peace of Christ to America. It is part of a more prominent call of Our Lady for the entire world. Devotion to Our Lady of America cannot be fully understood in isolation without Lourdes, Fatima, and Guadalupe, to name a few.

It is an exciting time for us at the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center. We are privileged to participate with her!

Second Annual Walking Pilgrimage a Beautiful Witness

October 12, 2023

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On September 24^th, we held the Second Annual Walking Pilgrimage to celebrate the 67^th anniversary of the start of the devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America. The Lord granted us gorgeous weather for that Sunday afternoon, and we could not have asked for more.

We had many families, the young and the old, the sick and the healthy, who came to join their intentions and prayers together. The processional statue of Our Lady of America led Pilgrims. Over 150 pilgrims joined us throughout the day. Many began at 1 p.m. and walked the full 7 miles along the Fishing Line Trail. Four more groups joined at varying starting points along the trail throughout the afternoon. Others kept vigil at the Oratory, joining in prayer and enjoying the beautiful campus at the dawn of Fall. When pilgrims returned, they filled the Oratory with prayer and song as they adored the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Following Benediction, each pilgrim was given a flower to leave before the image of Our Lady of America.

Once the walk and prayer were concluded, everyone could rest and enjoy fellowship. Thanks to The Orchid Events and Catering, we were all blessed with the most delicious taco bar, which was a big hit after working up appetites on the trail.

We want to thank everyone for their tremendous efforts to make this day possible, especially Father J Steele’s team, the local sheriff’s department, the West Noble School District bus drivers, and the many pilgrims who joined us from far and near. We are already anticipating next year’s walk, the witness it brings, and the joy it gives to Our Lord and Our Lady.

Bishop Kevin Rhoades Returns for Mass and Altar Dedication

July 27, 2023

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On July 15^th, 2023, His Excellency Bishop Kevin Rhoades celebrated the Mass for the Dedication of an Altar at the Oratory of the Holy Family. There to celebrate with him were a dozen clergy from multiple dioceses, over 400 pilgrims from all over the country, and over 100 more live-streaming the event online.

The new ambo arrived just in time to have Bishop Rhoades bless it at the beginning of Mass. From it, special readings for the Mass for the Dedication of an Altar were read. This included the recounting of the dedication of the altar in the book of Maccabees, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians about participation in the Body, and Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman about true worship recounted in the Gospel according to Saint John. Additionally, Bishop Rhoades preached an inspiring homily. In his homily, Bishop talked about the celebrations that took place in the First Reading and likened them to our own celebrations for the day. He also connected the consecration of an altar using Sacred Chrism to our consecration at Baptism:

“When I consecrate this altar, I invite you to think about your own consecration. What does it mean to be consecrated? It means to be ‘set apart.’ This altar will be set apart for divine worship, nothing else will be done on it, it cannot be used for any other purpose other than for the offering of the Lord’s sacrifice. When we were consecrated, we were set apart for the service of God and the building up of His Kingdom. This demands our continual conversion, a sacrificial dying to ourselves so that we belong more and more to God. This is the path of holiness, the journey of our Christian life: living our baptismal consecration.”

He further emphasized this by highlighting the similarities between the rites of Baptism and the rites of the dedication of an altar. He also emphasized the constant invitation to love and unity with one another and to “live the mystery that we celebrate at the altar,” particularly amid the Eucharistic Revival. Connecting the worship Jesus spoke of in the Gospel and the participation in the Body of Christ Paul spoke of in the Second Reading, Bishop Rhoades continued:

“Today’s liturgy reminds us of our calling to become living altars, where Christ’s sacrificial love is made present as an inspiration and a source of spiritual nourishment to everyone we meet; That’s the Christian life, the life of discipleship. It’s the life that the Blessed Virgin Mary teaches us and shows us. She is our greatest model of discipleship. Her life, and also Saint Joseph’s life, mirrored their Divine Son’s own loving self-oblation in obedience to the will of the Father. In imitating the Holy Family, we discover true freedom and joy. This joy, the joy of love, draws others to the Lord and his Church; it’s the greatest means of evangelization. I pray that the pilgrims who come here to this Oratory and who worship the Lord at this altar will experience the joy and love of the Lord. May all of us here today who receive Christ’s Body and Blood at this Eucharistic banquet, celebrated on the newly consecrated altar, go forth at the end of Mass to glorify the Lord by the witness of our lives.”

Following the homily and the creed, the anointing and dedication of the altar took place. The new altar of sacrifice was modeled from the altar depicted in the stained-glass window on the East side of the sanctuary. The Lamb of God centerpiece was also chosen to mirror the bottom of the stained-glass image. The window depicts the Holy Mass being celebrated within the three states of the Church: the church triumphant, the church militant, and the church suffering. The altar was designed by liturgical architect Phillip Breckler, and constructed by Barry Campbell of Te Deum LLC.

As part of the rite for the dedication of an altar, relics are placed within the altar top. Thanks to the tremendous generosity of a local FSSP priest, we were blessed to receive relics of both Saint Agnes and Saint Gallicanus. These two Saints were both early martyrs in Rome, and both were witnesses to purity. How fitting that heaven would give us two Saints to intercede for us who understand well the challenges and the goodness of the gift of purity.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Rhoades blessed the lilies, as is tradition here at Our Lady Patroness of America Center, so that they could be distributed to pilgrims as a sign of the invitation of Our Lady to a life of purity. Following the Mass and distribution of the lilies, all were welcomed to a free lunch served by The Orchid Catering. Pilgrims enjoyed pork sandwiches, wraps, mac and cheese, chips, fruit, and lots of cookies. There was even cake as we celebrated our beloved staff member, Ruby Ramey, who was just named citizen of the year in Rome City. All were well-fed, fellowship was shared, Bishop remained for conversation and blessings, and we soaked up some beautiful sunshine and the graces of a great day in the Kingdom.

Last August, Bishop Rhoades had come to bless and rename the chapel, and to consecrate the new altar. However, due to a mishap while installing the altar top in which the marble was broken, Bishop was unable to dedicate the altar at that time. He still blessed and renamed the chapel to the Oratory of the Holy Family and granted us the grace to reserve the Blessed Sacrament here. Due to ongoing construction within the building, and at the instruction of our chaplain, Father Louis Fowoyo, we are not yet ready to have the Eucharist present daily. We hope that with our continued progress on remodeling, and with the ever-growing number of pilgrims, we will soon be able to welcome this great grace with reverence and proper devotion.

The Lord works all things for our good; while Bishop Rhoades was unable to consecrate the new altar of sacrifice last August, we were still blessed to have him celebrate Mass for the blessing and renaming of the chapel. Bishop Rhoades’ choosing of the name, the Oratory of the Holy Family, shows his great depth of understanding in regard to the devotion. Throughout this past year, we have seen many graces that have come through the anointing of this space, and the honoring of the Holy Family. One tremendous grace of being unable to consecrate the altar that day was that it insured Bishop Rhoades would be returning the following year to finish the work that was begun.

That day has come; now forever marked as a historic day for the Our Lady Patroness of America Center, July 15^th, 2023, Bishop Rhoades returned to consecrate the new altar of sacrifice in the Oratory of the Holy Family. We are ever grateful to Bishop Rhoades for his support of the devotion, his guidance in our mission and throughout the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, and his work to consecrate this space as a place for prayer, healing, and renewal. With his continued blessing, we pray that together we can make this a place where the Holy Family is honored, families are renewed, and great graces for healing and conversion are received and spread throughout our nation and into the whole world. We look forward to many more Masses celebrated on the new altar, and many more days of joy and celebration with our pilgrims all to the honor of the Holy Family and the glory of God.

Pilgrim Walk – Anniversary of Devotion to Our Lady, of America.

July 14, 2023

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Join us, September 24th, 2023, for the Second Annual Walking Pilgrimage in celebration of the 67th anniversary of the devotion to Our Lady of America. We will walk along Fishingline Trail from Kendallville to Our Lady, Patroness of America Center in Rome City. We will have varying starting points and times based on the distance you want to walk. Buses will shuttle pilgrims from the Patroness of America Center (2730 E. Northport Rd.) to your desired starting point following the schedule below. Once all pilgrims have arrived together back at the Center, we will have Benediction at the Oratory of the Holy Family. Following Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament, we will have a light meal available for a free-will donation. The Orchid Events and Catering will be providing various options to try to accommodate guests with dietary needs, but please note any needs in your RSVP. Please help us prepare for your arrival by submitting your RSVP on Eventbrite below. We are greatly anticipating walking with you and praying with you as we celebrate the devotion and witness to our faith.

Important!

Attending? Please let us know if you are coming to help us plan transportation and Meals. RSVP Here

Schedule for the Day

Starting points shown on map below.

1.) 7.3 Miles. Bus leaves at 12:30 pm. Walk begins at 1 pm.
2.) 4.7 Miles. Bus leaves at 1:45 pm. Walk begins at 2:15 pm.
3.) 3.3 Miles. Bus leaves at 2:30 pm. Walk begins at 3:00 pm.
4.) 1.1 Miles. Bus leaves at 3:00 pm. Walk begins at 3:30 pm.
5.) 0.6 Miles. Bus leaves at 3:00 pm. Walk begins at 3:45 p.m.

Following Benediction around 4:30 pm, a light meal will be available for purchase.

Things to Bring:

-Backpack
-Plenty of Water
-Snacks
-Sunscreen
-Rosary and any other desired prayer materials
-If you are staying for the cookout, bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets for your comfort.

Tips and Guidelines:

-Begin walking daily to prepare for the long distance.
-Stay on the trail with the group. Just off the trail is private property.
-Only cross roads when traffic is clear. Do not let cars waive you across.
-Local law enforcement will be present that day to help facilitate the pilgrimage and monitor safety and health issues that may arise.

Altar of Sacrifice ready for Consecration

July 2, 2023

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Consecration and Blessing of the Altar

The Oratory of the Holy Family is named in remembrance of the greatest singular event in all creation! It is a reminder of the eternal joy of Heaven when into the Holy Family through the Fiat of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the “Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14). At the moment of the Annunciation creation was sanctified by the presence of the Child. On Christmas, it became manifest, history was changed, and Salvation entered the world!

At the Last Super, Jesus established the Eucharist so that He would never leave us. It is upon the Altar of Sacrifice in the Oratory of the Holy Family that these two truths are brought into simultaneous focus when the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered, and the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ once again makes His “dwelling among us” and in us.

Great pillars of our faith come together here in the Oratory of the Holy Family, the Incarnation of Christ, the Eucharist, Sanctifying Grace, and the Indwelling of the Holy Trinity. Here, we believe Heaven is reminding us of these awesome gifts, freely available to ALL. We pray that this Altar of Sacrifice is a fitting table for the Eucharistic Banquette.

In our faith, the altar is significant. In the old testament, Elijah built an altar of 12 stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. At the last supper, Our Lord institutes the Eucharist at the table. In the early Church, the altar was frequently the tomb of a martyr. As formal churches were being built, the altar was being built directly over the burial site of the martyr to whom the church was dedicated.

To this day, we continue this tradition of honoring the Saints by placing their relics permanently into a reliquary constructed into the stone altar top, also called the mensa.

At the Oratory of the Holy Family, we are graced to have been gifted with two certified first-class relics; St. Agnes and St. Gallicanus, both Martyrs. See Our Altar Relics for details.

With great anticipation of the Holy Mass on July 15, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades will consecrate the new Altar in the Oratory of the Holy Family. Here is a little background on how the Altar came about.

In the Fall of 2021, Larry Young and Al Langsenkamp met with architect Phil Breckler. We had asked Phil to help us with a project, guiding us on how the sanctuary of the Oratory of the Holy Family should be outfitted. We had not yet learned of Bishop Kevin Rhoades’ interest in renaming the Chapel.

Phil came to visit us on Saturday morning, and we discussed the history of the Chapel, the devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America, and her call to us to imitate the Holy Family.

He asked for some time to study the chapel and take in the beauty of the stained glass. About an hour later, he came to us and said he had clarity on the direction and design. With a puzzled expression, I asked Phil how he could do that so quickly. With a smile, he pointed to the beautiful stained-glass window to the right of the sanctuary and said, “It’s all right there.” He pointed to the window and drew our attention to the Altar upon which the Priest was offering the Holy Sacrifice. Indeed, it was all there.

We moved forward with the plans asking Phil to design the altar but also to give consideration to how the entire sanctuary would be outfitted in the future when funds permit.

Phil created proof sketches and the construction documents needed to fabricate the altar. We chose local master craftsman Barry Campbell of Te Deum in Laotto, Indiana. Barry has traveled nationwide helping churches with sanctuary furnishings, working in wood and stone. We were extremely pleased to know this could all be done within the Diocese.

It is essential to honor the history at the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center, where so many have been healed. Knowing that much of the building will never again be used in its current state, we have harvested much of the beautiful white oak trim wood and doors. Given the extraordinary quality of this hardwood and its historical significance, we discussed with Barry its use in the altar. After inspecting the wood, he concluded it would be appropriate and proper. The altar uses mainly wood reclaimed from the Center’s east end.

When the altar was commissioned, there needed to be more clarity on what, if any, depictions would be placed upon the altar front. In late May of 2022, we were honored to share lunch with Bishop Rhoades. Then, Bishop made known his thoughts on renaming Mother of Mercy Chapel to the Oratory of the Holy Family. What a gift!

With Bishop Rhoades’s direction in mind, we worked with Phil and Barry to formulate imagery that would depict the Holy Family and recognize devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America, connecting the two.

Through grace, we settled on the imagery you now see on the altar. The three panels on the front depict Jesus, Joseph, and the Blessed Virgin Mary in honor of the Holy Family,

Starting with Jesus, He is depicted as the Lamb of God in the center. This white marble relief was a gift to Larry Young from Ancilla College in 2003. It was part of an outdoor altar near Donaldson Hall. In 2009 Larry gave it to Irv Kloska, who used it in his backyard prayer area. When the Altar was commissioned, Irv donated it to the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center for use therein. It resembles the depiction in the stained glass to the right of the sanctuary. Other than cleaning, no restoration was needed.

On the left is a stylized depiction of Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America. She is represented by her Immaculate Heart, placed upon the shield of the United States of America, with the Lily of Purity presented as a gift to us.

In 1792, the first bishop of the United States, John Carroll, consecrated the nation to Mary under her title, The Immaculate Conception, and in 1846, the United States bishops unanimously chose Mary under that title as Patroness of the United States of America. The Holy Father further ratified this title. Understanding this history is foundational to understanding devotion to Our Lady of America.

And on the right side is the Lily of Purity, showing the gift St Joseph fully embraces as his own! It represents this gift lavished upon him as he was destined to be the Father of Jesus. Also, the carpenter’s square represents the trade through which he provided for the necessities of the Holy Family. Both are placed upon the shield of the United States, representing that he, too, participates in this mission of his Spouse, Our Lady of America, through their marriage.

Together these images depict the Holy Family in a way consistent with the devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America. She wants us to imitate her Fiat to the Will of God and the life of the Holy Family so we can participate in the gift of Purity as received by St. Joseph. It is fruitful for our salvation and for those around us.

Please join us for this historic event. See Bishop’s Mass for details.

UPDATES! – Bishop Rhoades’s Mass July 15, 2023 @ 11:00 AM

June 14, 2023

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UPDATES

Vigil Service:

Friday, July 14, at 7:00, we will offer a Rosary on Holy Family Hill and proceed to the Oratory of the Holy Family for a Vigil Service to venerate the relic of St Agnes, Virgin, and Martyr.

RSVP, Please:

Please feel free to RSVP if you are planning to attend. It is beneficial for us to make sure you have seating and to make sure you receive lunch after the Mass. But, even if you don’t RSVP, please come to the Mass RSVP Here

Activities are in full swing as we prepare for your arrival.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Holy Mass offered here on July 15, 2023.

We are preparing for Bishop Rhoades’ visit to the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center to consecrate our new altar and celebrate Holy Mass in the Oratory of the Holy Family. Afterward, we will have an afternoon celebrating this extraordinary gift with a cookout and music. Bring the family.

It is a great honor to have Bishop Rhoades back again at the Center. You may remember that last August, he came to consecrate a new Altar, consecrate the chapel and rename it the Oratory of the Holy Family. Just the day before the Mass, an accident destroyed the top while the marble altar was installed. Bishop Rhoades was most gracious in accomplishing what he could and promising to return to finish the task!

Renaming the chapel as the Oratory of The Holy Family has been a great blessing for pilgrims. His act is recognition that imitation of the Holy Family is a sure path in obtaining the gift of purity which Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America, wants for us.

The Holy Family is the perfect example of the life that Our Lady wants for us. She calls us to imitate the familial life in their little home in Nazareth, wherein Divinity and Humanity lived in perfect harmony, peace, and purity. Renaming the chapel is another example of Bishop Rhoades’s deep understanding of this devotion and Our Lady’s hope for us, her children.

Help Make the Day Better for Everyone - RSVP

We need to know how many are attending to make this day the best for you. Please help us out by completing the RSVP form. We know that there will be more pilgrims than the chapel can seat so we will have overflow in the conference room and a large outdoor tent with live streaming of the Mass in all overflow locations. Last year 850 people attended. We expect more this year. Your RSVP does not get you a reserved seat but will help us be better prepared so that all will have a seat.

But how well we do depends on you letting us know. However, if you forget to RSVP, still feel free to attend.

Clergy: If you would like to concelebrate at this Mass, please call the office at 1-260-303-4990.

Special Needs

If you have special needs during your visit, please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate. Please call the office at 260-303-4990 for assistance.

Streaming

If you are unable to attend in person, but would like to participate remotely you may STREAM LIVE HERE

What to pack

Please wear Liturgy and weather-appropriate clothing. If you are staying for the afternoon, be sure to pack:

Favorite beverage (Coolers are welcome)
Snacks
Sunblock / Sun hats
Bug spray – the post-Mass events will be outside
Lawn Chair

Be a Part of History; Volunteer at the Center!

June 14, 2023

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Volunteer at Bishop's Mass - Sign Up!

Nearly one thousand pilgrims from all across the nation are expected to participate in this historic event. Bishop Rhoades will consecrate our new Altar of Sacrifice and deposit the relics of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, and Saint Gallicanus, Martyr. And then, as the day’s pinnacle, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered.

Without a doubt, this is an historic event. Only in time will we understand the nature and magnitude of its meaning as Our Lady unfolds her plan to bring Peace and Healing to her children. I can’t wait to see it become manifest.

We are most grateful to Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades for his pastoral care of this apostolate and, therefore, his pastoral care of our pilgrims. Let us give thanks and praise to the Divine Holy Trinity for this Providence!

For more details about the day, visit Bishop’s Mass.

We need your help!

With so many pilgrims attending, we will need many volunteers to make this day the best for our pilgrims. We hope to remove the distractions and give them time to experience the day.

We would appreciate your help. Please sign-up on our volunteer page. It would be a great help!

Presentation by Father Kevin Barrett

This event is free and for people of all ages!

2023 Year in Review

To read more about our future plans click here, and to support us in this mission click here.

Annual Fundraising Appeal 2-for-1 Match!

UPDATE: Annual Appeal - 2-for-1 Match

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Exciting Plans Ahead for the Center

Report to Pilgrims, Volunteers, Patrons, Friends, and Family.

2024

Second Annual Walking Pilgrimage a Beautiful Witness

Bishop Kevin Rhoades Returns for Mass and Altar Dedication

Pilgrim Walk – Anniversary of Devotion to Our Lady, of America.

Important!

Schedule for the Day

Things to Bring:

Tips and Guidelines:

Altar of Sacrifice ready for Consecration

Consecration and Blessing of the Altar

UPDATES! – Bishop Rhoades’s Mass July 15, 2023 @ 11:00 AM

UPDATES

Vigil Service:

RSVP, Please:

Activities are in full swing as we prepare for your arrival.

Help Make the Day Better for Everyone - RSVP

Special Needs

Streaming

What to pack

Be a Part of History; Volunteer at the Center!

Volunteer at Bishop's Mass - Sign Up!

We need your help!

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