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Save the Date! Bishop Kevin Rhoades to Offer Holy Mass

November 20, 2022
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SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 11:00 AM EDT, Bishop Kevin Rhoades returns to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the Oratory of the Holy Family at the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center in Rome City, Indiana.  

This is the feast day of St. Bonaventure, Franciscan Bishop, Cardinal, scholastic, theologian philosopher and Doctor of the Church.  

Bishop Rhoades will finish what we had hoped to accomplish in 2022.  When he came last August to bless and rename the Oratory, we had hoped he would also have a new altar to consecrate.  That had to wait as an accident happened the day before when the altar top failed when being placed. 

Please plan to attend and show your support for the devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America. As a community we need to renew our appreciation toward Bishop Rhoades for establishing the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center and giving us the Oratory of the Holy Family.   

Please pray for Bishop Rhoades!  Please give him your support in prayer and in person on July 15, 2023.

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In Thanksgiving for the Blessings of 2022

November 9, 2022
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Year in review.

As Thanksgiving nears, it brings us to reflect on the generosity and support of our benefactors, pilgrims, and the local Church. The Our Lady, Patroness of America center has made great strides with your support and participation. Please accept our deepest appreciation and thanks. None of this is possible without your help! And without pilgrims it would all be in vain.

We often hear from pilgrims how much has changed since they were last here. This remark follows only a few months between visits. It is a great testament to what staff and volunteers accomplished this year. Here is just a brief recap of the highlights.

In February, we focused on the grave threat posed by a disintegrating water tower. Nearing 75 years old a recent inspection showed it needed substantial repair or dismantlement. We chose the later as we saw no need for the structure going forward. See details...

We also, hired an ecclesiastical architect and commissioned a new altar of sacrifice which was delivered in time for the August 6th First Saturday Mass. Unfortunately, the marble altar top was dropped during installation on August 5th. The new top and altar will be consecrated by Bishop Rhoades sometime in 2023.

As weather warmed and we had many pilgrims tell us how excited they were for Bishop’s Mass on August 6th.  We saw indications that the attendance would greatly exceed the capacity of the Chapel and our parking lot. This caused us to change priorities. We reclaimed land south of the Cemetery providing 400 additional parking spaces. We then focused on accommodating the pilgrims wanting to participate in this historic event. We rented an outdoor tent to shelter 400 pilgrims and then invested in streaming technology. We had 7 displays streaming the Mass in real-time to the overflow venues. We also outfitted the Oratory choir loft with a top-of-the-line Yamaha keyboard, choir microphones, horn instrument pickups and monitor speakers. The result was amazing! As Bishop Rhoades re-dedicated the Oratory, it came alive with hymns of joy and praise! The Oratory was back as a proper place of prayer, worship and Sacraments, all in honor of the Holy Family! The day unfolded in a way that was beyond our imagination.

In unplanned maintenance there were a few major repairs that came upon us. The sewer line servicing the Cape Cod home (used for visiting priests) collapsed and had to be completely replaced. Its heat and air conditioning also required replacement. The Victorian Home on the east side needed a new roof, which was also accomplished.

The Indiana Department of Transportation gave us a new intersection at the corner of State Road 9 and Northport. Having our main entrance closed for 4 months presented it’s challenged, but our pilgrims and volunteers made it through. And things are back to normal now. 

In conjunction with the road improvement, we also recovered our south lawn along State Road 9, all the way to the lake on the south end of the property. It’s beautiful! Locals and pilgrims alike comment about the welcoming nature of this beautification.

One of the more popular changes this year was the addition of water founts to make access to the healing spring water accessible without risk of fall or contamination.   The fount is fed directly from the source and does not go through ancient plumbing, now all brand new equipment.  The water that is available over the side of the hill goes through a 100-year-old pipe that we know is breaking down and risks introducing contamination.  We see multiple cars each day come and fill containers of this wonderful gift of God; clean, fresh and cool water that has generated many reports of healing spanning so many decades.

The stained glass in the Oratory got an up-close inspection for stability and safety.  We found the window frames and mountings in good shape.  The protective outer windows were re-glazed and painted.   All the trim on the exterior of the chapel except for the highest areas of the bell tower were treated with a wood hardener preservative and then painted.   The rose window on the bell tower at about 60’ high was found to be in bad shape.  One protective window had fallen out and many more were on the verge.   Our recovery experts went to work using state of the art epoxy wood hardening and restoration products.   The window frames were recovered to near original strength and shape with protective glass replaced as needed.  It was competed with re-glazing and painting.   It looks like new and will last for decades!

The clear highlight of the year was Bishop Rhoades Mass on August 6th, when he re-dedicated the chapel and renamed it to the Oratory of the Holy Family. This apostolate is so blessed to have his public support and his personal encouragement!

More than 750 pilgrims participated in the historic day!

See recap of Bishop Rhoades Mass on August 6, 2023

And then Came the surprise!

 

Fr. J. Steele, the pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Kendallville suggested that we do a Pilgrim Walk from Kendallville to the Oratory on the Anniversary of the devotion to Our Lady of America along the fishing line walking trail. In partnering with Fr. J, and our Pastor Fr. Louis Fowoyo, the event was planned. We were hoping that 100 pilgrims would participate. By the week prior we had a realistic expectation of more than 200 pilgrims. The walk started at a distance of 7 miles with 125 pilgrims. By the time the walkers reached the Oratory for Benediction, their ranks had grown to over 300! These pilgrims were praying for our nation and the intercession of Our Lady. More details…

However, none of these accomplishments matter except for how lives are touched with peace, healing, consolation and a deeper lover for Our Lady and her Son, Our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are humbled and elated by the stories and testimonies of people who are touched in a profound way and healed by God’s Grace. They leave here with the Joy and Peace of Christ. Our Lady has so much love for pilgrims and wants for us a deeper encounter with Her Son. We welcome the pilgrims; but volunteers, staff and benefactors are pilgrims as well. We look forward to the journey together, with you!

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Updated Hours for the Our Lady of America Center

October 31, 2022
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The Oratory will be closed Thursday - Sunday of Thanksgiving Weekend

The Center is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11:00 AM for a visit and tour.  We stay open until the tour is over – generally until 1:30-2:00.

We continue to do substantial improvements at the center and we have workers and volunteers around most days from 9:00 to 3:00.   Many days, but not all the Oratory is open during some of these hours.  But it is not certain.   If you are planning a visit at a time other than the posted tours, then call ahead to arrange a time. 

We are closed Sundays.   The grounds are open daily.  

Check our Events page for our schedule. 

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First Annual Pilgrim Walk Beyond Expectations!

October 31, 2022
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When Fr. J Steele, C.S.C. first suggested a pilgrim walk for the 66th Anniversary of the devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America, it seemed fitting and appropriate. But could we get permission to use the new Fishing Line Trail from Kendallville to Rome City?  Would local First Responders provide support?  Would pilgrims come?  The day ended with a resounding Fiat (Yes) to those questions.

Every great journey starts with a single step, and it was no different for this walk.   The 7+ mile walk started at noon on Sunday September 25 with pilgrims assembling at the Oratory of the Holy Family.   Busses then took the walkers to the trail head.  Amazingly 125+ pilgrims had chosen to do the entire 7+ miles.  Over the course of the afternoon, three more groups joined the walk at various points along the trail.  Some remained at the Oratory to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.  When Benediction started at 4:30 the group of pilgrims had swelled to over 300.   Every seat in the Oratory was filled as Our Lord was adored with songs of praise and prayer.   

The pilgrims were under constant threat of rain for the entire afternoon.  Even though areas around the trail got wet, the pilgrims only got an occasional sprinkling like being blessed with Holy Water.  And for the entire 7+ miles a banner of Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America lead the pilgrims to the Oratory, where her Son awaited!

After Benediction, the pilgrims were treated to a free cookout compliments of the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center.  Center President, Al Langsenkamp remarked: “Every time we have a larger event, local first responders remark at the joy, peace, and courtesy of the pilgrims.   Once again, it was a great witness to the Peace of Christ which pilgrims exhibit.   On this day, as always, the call of Our Lady of America brings souls to Her Son.”

Fr. J. Steele later in the week remarked he was overwhelmed with joy at the response of the faithful and the praise, prayer and Adoration offered our Lord throughout the day. 

Looking forward to next year! 

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Visit Rome City This Fall For These Events

September 21, 2022
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Make Our Lady of America Part of Your Fall

Fall is our favorite time here at the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center.  The crisp air, fall colors and quiet times bring peace on the grounds and in the Oratory of the Holy Family.   Will your fall travel bring you through Northeast Indiana?  

Add a visit to Rome City around travel to football games, fall break or college events. We are just a short 20 minute drive from Interstate 80, 90 & 69 in northeast Indiana.

Tours are available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 AM.  They run in length from 1 1/4 hours or longer depending on questions.   If you can only stay for a part of the tour that is good as well.  No pressure. 

Tours for groups of 5 or more can be arranged at other times to accommodate your group’s schedule

Our Lady, Patroness of America Pilgrimage Walk to Oratory of the Holy Family

On Sunday, September 25, 2022 – starting at noon, join us for the First Annual Walking Pilgrimage to the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center in Rome City from Kendallville, Indiana along the new Fishingline Trail. At 4:30pm the Pilgrimage will conclude with Benediction at the Oratory of the Holy Family and a Cookout on the Plaza.  Details…

 

First Saturday Devotion Continues!

The First Saturday Devotion Mass has become corner stone at the Oratory of the Holy Family.   Join us this fall for this fruitful reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Details…

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Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America

First Annual Patroness of America Anniversary Pilgrimage Walk

September 20, 2022
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…to the Oratory Of The Holy Family honoring Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America on the Sixty-Sixth Anniversary.

Sunday, September 25, 2022

 

UPDATE:  

The weather forecast is for a glorious fall day this Sunday for the Anniversary Pilgrimage Walk honoring Our Lady of America.   Please be sure to RSVP.   Over 150 have already signed up, but we have heard that there are groups of 20 and 50 people who have not yet signed up. 

If you are staying for the cookout, bring lawn chairs for your comfort.

HELP US BE READY BY LETTING US KNOW YOU ARE JOINING THE PILGRIMAGE.  SIGN-UP HERE

Click Here for Details

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Healing Spring Water Easily In Reach

August 29, 2022
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New Fount Supplies Water To Three Spigots

Filling bottles and jugs from the reportedly healing water at Rome City, just got immensely easier.  Larry Young, property manager at the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center had always worried that someone would be injured as they filled their water containers on the side of the hill.  There had to be a better way.

The spring water was used in the Kneipp Water Cure practiced at the Sanitarium for over 80 years.  Over the years there have been a number of cures associated with this water.  Some, easily explained, others seem to be of a more miraculous nature.   While many pilgrims tell us of cure and improvement to sickness and disease, it seems that a pattern of God’s grace is continuing which uses this water as an instrument of His Divine Providence and Mercy.

The actual source of the water is from an artesian flowing spring which has been running for at least 125 years.  It flows about 60 gallons a minute and was the sole source of water when the Kneipp Springs Sanitarium opened in 1895.  This type of spring is an unusual geological phenomenon.

 

When the sanitarium was first built the water came right from the ground without pump or mechanical assistance, as it still does today. But during the expansion of the facility the Precious Blood Sisters decided to build a parking lot on the south side of the building, right on top of the spring! To preserve the spring, they had a tunnel constructed from the basement to the spring. This tunnel protects and preserves this great natural gift. The tunnel is emptied by a 4-inch steel pipe which goes to the side of the hill where the waterfall originates. That is where pilgrims previously collected their water.

Tunnel for original source of spring water
Tunnel for original source of spring water

Earlier this month an above ground fount was constructed which is horizontally about 10 feet from the spring and about 10 feet above its source. While the water continues to flow naturally, we did install a small electric pump to lift the water to the spigots. The excess water then drains from the fount back to the tunnel and over the side of the hill. The fount will fill 3 one-gallon bottles in about 30 seconds. 

If you intend to drink water from the spring, we recommend that you only take water from the fount. The 4-inch steel pipe is more than 100 years old and not in good shape and since the excess water from the fount drains back into the tunnel we cannot assure the quality of the water over the side of the hill. Besides, its so much safer and easier to get it from the fount. 

The water is FREE.  We do ask that you say a little prayer for the pilgrims and our apostolate.

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Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades’s Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Event – Recap

August 28, 2022
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His Excellency, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on August 6th, the Feast of the Transfiguration with 750 of the lay faithful 12 Priests and a Deacon at the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center in Rome City, Indiana. Sixty-Five participated remotely. 

Priests came from as far as New York City and pilgrims came from California, Texas, and New York and many states in between. The day was a celebration of Our Lady’s work and the pastoral care of Bishop Rhoades in allowing devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin Patroness of America to grow and flourish at Center. 

He blessed the chapel formerly known as the Our Lady, Mother of Mercy Chapel restoring its sacred nature. He renamed it as the Oratory of the Holy Family, recognizing Our Lady’s call to imitate the Holy Family as a sure path to purity of life that she wants for us, her children.

Bishop Rhoades had this to say about the Oratory in his homily (Read Full Homily here):

Now today we can again call this oratory a sacred place since I have blessed it, or I should say – God has blessed it.  It has been blessed with the holy water, a sign of the cleansing waters of salvation in which we have been washed in Christ and made temples of the Holy Spirit.  From this day forward, this Oratory is again a place for divine worship.   It now has a new title – the title of the Holy Family.  Here, I pray, many families will come to be strengthened in faith and love, inspired by the Holy Family to imitate the virtues of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and aided by their intercession.

This Oratory of the Holy Family is the most important part of this Center named in honor of Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America because here Jesus, her divine Son, who assumed our humanity in her pure womb by the power of the Holy Spirit, will dwell in the tabernacle.  His Sacrifice for our redemption will become present here at every celebration of the Eucharist.  And His Body and Blood will be given in Holy Communion, nourishing the souls of all who receive this sacrament of His love.  Pope Saint John Paul II called Mary the “Woman of the Eucharist.”  No Marian Center would be complete without the Holy Eucharist.  Mary always guides us to this most holy sacrament.  She offered her own flesh and blood to Jesus and became the living tabernacle of the Lord.  She opened herself completely to the presence of Christ.  She teaches us to open ourselves to Jesus’ presence, to receive His Body and Blood with faith, and to live what we receive.  Mary allowed herself to be penetrated by God’s love and she lived the self-giving Eucharistic love of her Son.  She helps us to do the same. 

It came as a joyful surprise to us that Bishop Rhoades has granted to our Pilgrims the privilege of coming to pray in the presence of the Holy Eucharist; the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.  We are working with our Pastor, Fr. Louis Fowoyo to put in place the appropriate protocols and protection needed to protect and respect this Greatest of Gifts. 

See News Coverage in Today's Catholic

He went on to unfold the mystery of the Transfiguration on its feast day pointing to its most important part.  He said:

And Mary helps us to receive this light. We already know that this has happened through the years here at this center and here in this chapel which today has again become sacred. Of course, this will only happen if we obey the words of the Father at the Transfiguration: “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him.” This is a place where I hope many people will come to pray, which is fundamentally, listening to Jesus. In Hebrew idiom, to listen to someone’s voice means not only to hear, but also to obey. So, this means that we listen in our minds and hearts to what Jesus teaches us in the Gospels and that we strive to put them into practice. Mary teaches us basically the same thing the Father commands us in her words to the waiters at the wedding feast of Cana: “Do whatever He tells you.”

Concluding his homily, Bishop calls upon Our Lady to guide, intercede and bring the Light of Christ upon her Pilgrims:

Here in this Holy Family Oratory and in this Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America Center, I hope that many will “climb with Jesus the mountain of prayer and, contemplating His face full of love and truth, allow themselves to be filled with His light” (Pope Benedict).  Our Blessed Mother, who was filled with the light of her Son, lives now in the light of His glory in heaven.  She waits for us and she prays for us. The Church invokes her as “Maris Stella,” the “Star of the Sea” because on the voyage of our life, she is a star who shines with the light of Christ to guide us along our way.  She is a star of hope for us.  May she shine upon all who visit and pray in this sacred oratory! 

After the Mass the Pilgrims were treated to a free lunch of grilled hamburgers and sausages cooked by the Rome City Volunteer Fire Department. They did a great job and excellent music was provided for the remainder of the afternoon as pilgrims gathered, renewed friendships, and made new ones.
Bishop Rhoades remained after Mass for about two hours to greet, converse and bless the pilgrims and devotional items.

But not everything turned out the way we hoped. We were planning to consecrate the new altar which had been commissioned and was in place without the marble top for the week prior to the celebration. The Mensa (altar top) was delayed in delivery and when it was placed on the day before the Mass it was dropped and shattered. We were in shock as our hopes were dashed and the plan of the Mass was upended. Bishop Rhoades in his generosity continued with the Mass plans, although the order of the Liturgy changed from the consecration of the Altar back to the Feast of the Transfiguration. Through the great teamwork and last-minute sprint of Masters of Ceremonies Fr. Daniel Koehle, Fr. Nathan Maskal, liturgist Mr. Brian MacMichael and our staff everything was re-arranged just in the nick of time.

The good news is that Bishop Rhoades said he would be back when the altar is ready. We will then be doubly blessed!

The Our Lady, Patroness of America Center has so many to thank. Our volunteers and benefactors are at the top of the list. Nearly 100 volunteers had some role in preparing the grounds, coordinating, completing all the details and assisting pilgrims that day. And our benefactors have brought the Providence of God, so that we would afford to prepare for an overflow crowd of 400 pilgrims, live stream Mass and then feed everyone. Thank you!

A Sacred Space deserves Sacred Music. The choir loft was opened and outfitted in preparation of this event. Through the efforts of conductor Sara Balogh some of the finest musicians from throughout the Diocese were brought together. The Oratory was filled with the most beautiful sacred music. I don’t know the last time that the walls echoed such a heavenly sound, but certainly what was heard by these walls was heard in Heaven!

And thank you Bishop Rhoades for your support of this apostolate. You have given Our Lady a home which is now a sacred space. And through your prayers you have asked Heaven to bring an abundance of graces upon us and especially the pilgrims. Our Lady is surely pleased!

More Pictures

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St Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

August 1, 2022
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Bishop Rhoades Will Deposit Saint's Relic in Altar

Through the great generosity of a FSSP priest serving the Diocese of Fort Wayne – South Bend, the Oratory of the Holy Family has been graced with a relic of St. Agnes of Rome, Virgin and Martyr.  This early saint is mentioned in the Litany of Saints and has been recognized by the Church as an outstanding example of faith.

It is fitting that we will have as our intercessor a saint who pursued purity to perfection.  Not only in her pursuit of chastity, but as an even greater call to do only the will of God. It was her pursuit of chastity that kept her pure, it was her pursuit of God’s love that called her to martyrdom.  

The Oratory of the Holy Family is very graced to have her be a part of our Mission.  We pray for her to intercede for us, our pilgrims and all who seek Our Lady’s healing.

Vigil Service Friday August 5, 2022 At 7:00 PM

Please join with us in the Vigil Service, in the Oratory of the Holy Family!

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