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Second Annual Walking Pilgrimage a Beautiful Witness

October 12, 2023
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On September 24th, we held the Second Annual Walking Pilgrimage to celebrate the 67th 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.

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Bishop Kevin Rhoades Returns for Mass and Altar Dedication

July 27, 2023
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On July 15th, 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 15th, 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. 

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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. 

Map of pilgrimage route along Fishingline Trail from Kendallville to Our Lady Patroness of America Center

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. 

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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.

Reliquary in the Altar at the Oratory of the Holy Family

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.

Basis for Altar design is found in the window to the right of the Sanctuary in the Oratory of the Holy Family

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.

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,

Lamb of God representing Jesus Christ in 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.

Image representing Our Lady

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.

Image representing Saint Joseph

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.

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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

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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!

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Corpus Christi Procession Joins Together Pilgrims Throughout the World

June 13, 2023
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United with pilgrims the world over

Sunday June 11, 2023-Rome City, Indiana: United with pilgrims from all over the world, we had our own Eucharistic procession right here in Rome City to celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi on June 11th following the 10 a.m. Mass. We followed our Eucharistic Lord from Saint Gaspar Catholic Church to the Oratory of the Holy Family along State Road 9. The procession was led by pastor and chaplain Father Louis Fowoyo, assisted by Deacon Ray Krouse. After Benediction in the Oratory of the Holy Family, pilgrims returned to Saint Gaspar to enjoy brunch and fellowship together.
“O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving, be every moment thine.”

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St Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

June 12, 2023
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Bishop Rhoades Will Deposit Saints' Relics in Altar.

Through the incredible generosity of an FSSP priest serving the Diocese of Fort Wayne – South Bend, the Oratory of the Holy Family has been graced with a first-class 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 desire to do only the will of God. Her pursuit of chastity kept her pure; it was her pursuit of God’s love that called her to martyrdom.  

The Oratory of the Holy Family is 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.

Joining the relics of Saint Agnes will be those of  Saint Gallicanus, Martyr.  The lives of the two early martyrs probably overlapped in the early 4th  century.  St. Gallicanus was a Roman warrior, convert, and martyr.  His statue graces the Colonnade of St. Peters Basilica in Rome. 

Rosary and Vigil Service to venerate the relics.

Friday, July 14, 2023, At 7:00 PM, we will join together to offer a Rosary on Holy Family Hill and then return to the Oratory of the Holy Family for a short vigil service seeking the intercession of Our Lady, Patroness of America for Bishop Rhoades and our Pilgrims.   

Please join us for this solemn preparation for Bishop’s Mass.

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The Friday Evening Rosary Makes Its Return

April 25, 2023
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Each Friday, starting April 28, 2023, the Holy Rosary of Our Lady will be prayed at 5:00 P.M. Depending on the weather, the Rosary will be prayed in the Oratory or on Holy Family Hill.

Long a tradition here at Rome City, it ended when Larry Young lost property ownership in 2010.  Now 13 years later, the tradition returns.   Praise God!

Before the tradition was lost, pilgrims relayed many stories of prayers answered, peace restored, and healing of body and soul.   The regular pilgrims started as a small group and grew as the months passed.

As we are dismayed by the godlessness around us, please join us in praying for Our Lady of America’s intercession granting us a return to purity.  Pray we will be guided by Our Lady and flooded with Our Lord’s Grace with the hope that we and our nation will return to Him.

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