A favorite place to explore is the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey, OH. The campus is quite unusual because it is open all year long.
In November, a small group of us went to mass and Marian Devotions at the Shrine. If you are Catholic and decide to go, plan on staying for the mass and devotions on Sunday. This is the type of place that you really want to spend time at -- to contemplate, to mediate, to pray.
First, go to the website: http://www.olcshrine.com/ Check it out. Be sure to know where you are going. Don't depend on the map site or the GPS because both will take you miles out of your way.
Second, if you have a prayer request, go to the main church on the right side and you will see the statue of Our Lady of Consolation holding the young Jesus. Both are clothed in fabric garments made by grateful pilgrims. Make sure that you have your request in writing so you know exactly what you are praying for.
Notice the wet plaster paintings on the ceiling, posts and behind the altar. Stunning artwork. Reverant. This is the place to reconnect. Give your prayer request full thought.
Third, on Sundays, there are Marian devotions. For me, the most unusual thing about these prayers is that the Conventual Fransican Friars will pray with you. They will summarize your request. Often they will say the things you cannot communicate but you thought about. The way the Friars came out of the back and stood infront of the altar was powerful, much like prayer soldiers, which was fine with me because I needed all of the help I could get.
Something wonderful happened to me at the Shrine this past Sunday. I felt like I had been totally forgiven of all my sins. On the Sunday I went, I was overcome. Tears flowed freely and non stop. I could no longer hold "it" together but gave myself to the arms of Mary, the Mother of all -- so material, so understanding.
The person who traveled with me explained that Mary had graced me with the gift of Absolution. I haven't felt this light. In a state of Grace. Even. Happy. Content. In control.
This is the place I plan on visiting quarterly. The place where I renewed my faith. O Happy Day.
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