Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation facts for kids
The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation is a special Roman Catholic church in Carey, Ohio, United States of America. It's dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is honored here as Our Lady of Consolation. This important place is managed by the Order of Saint Francis and is recognized as a National shrine by the Catholic Church.
Pope Paul VI gave this shrine the special title of Minor Basilica on October 21, 1971. This was a big honor, making it an even more important place for Catholics.
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Why This Place Is Special
This basilica is one of only five Roman Catholic basilicas in Ohio. It's also one of about 85 basilicas across the entire United States. Every year, many pilgrims (especially from the Middle East) visit the shrine. They come to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, which happens on August 15. The basilica is a special place to honor Our Lady of Consolation.
A Look Back: The Shrine's History
The idea of honoring Our Lady of Consolation became popular in the United States. The very first shrine dedicated to her was built right here in Carey, Ohio. A special statue was ordered from Luxembourg in 1875. People there already had a strong devotion to Our Lady of Consolation.
Later, the first Archbishop of Toledo, Joseph Schrembs, asked the Franciscan friars to take care of the shrine.
In 1923, a group called the Ku Klux Klan tried to protest during the annual procession before the Feast of the Assumption. However, their gathering stayed on the edge of town and did not disrupt the event.
Exploring the Shrine Complex
The shrine is more than just one building. It's a whole group of buildings! This includes the main basilica, the first wooden church from 1875, and the parish school. There's also a rectory where the pastor and other Franciscan priests live. A provincial house is home to Franciscan friars, and a convent provides a place for nuns. Visitors can stay at a retreat center. The complex also has a gift shop and a cafeteria.
The First Church Building
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The very first church in Carey started being built in 1868. Father Edward Vatmann led this project. When it was finished, it was named St. Edward. In 1873, Father Joseph Peter Gloden came to serve the church. The people of Carey worked hard to build the church and prayed to Mary, asking for her help as Our Lady of Consolation. Because of their strong faith, they renamed the church in her honor when it was finished.
Father Gloden, who was from Luxembourg, got a copy of the famous statue of Our Lady of Consolation from Luxembourg Cathedral. This wooden statue was about three feet tall. It showed Mary holding baby Jesus, both dressed in fancy clothes. On May 24, 1875, the statue was carried in a procession to the church. It came from another church about seven miles away. People say the first amazing event happened during this walk. A big storm was happening in the whole area. But during the entire seven-mile walk, not a single drop of rain touched the statue or anyone in the procession!
The original church is still used today for early morning Mass and special events.
The Main Basilica Building
As more and more pilgrims came, a bigger church was needed. So, in 1924, a new red-brick church was finished.
The current basilica has a Byzantine-style design. It's located at the corner of Clay & West streets. Inside, you'll find the main entrance area (called the narthex), the main worship space (the sanctuary), and the altar. The altar still looks like it did before the Vatican II changes, with a rail separating it from the people. There are also religious statues and places for votive candles along the sides. Above the entrance, there's a choir loft with the basilica's pipe organ. The statue of Our Lady of Consolation is on the right side altar. The altar on the opposite side is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.
Downstairs, in the basement, there's another worship area. You'll also find confessionals for the sacrament of reconciliation. Along the walls of the basement sanctuary, there are display cases. These cases show items like artificial limbs, canes, and crutches. These were left behind by people who say they were healed after visiting the shrine.
The Peaceful Shrine Park
Close by is the Shrine Park. Here, you can find a set of Stations of the Cross. These are 14 images showing Jesus's journey to his crucifixion. They stretch for almost a mile along the park's winding road. In the middle of the park, there's an outdoor altar under a large dome. This dome is supported by four marble columns. The top of the dome is covered in gold and has a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You can see this statue from miles away! Shrine Park is the final stop for the religious procession that starts at the basilica on the Feast of the Assumption.
Our Lady of Consolation: A Special Title
Since the second century, Catholics have honored Mary with the title Our Lady of Consolation. This is one of her oldest titles. The name "Our Lady of Consolation," or "Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted," comes from the Latin words Consolatrix Afflictorum. This title is also found in the Litany of Loreto, a special prayer. Immigrants from Europe helped spread the devotion to Our Lady of Consolation in the United States.
When Her Feast Day Is Celebrated
The feast day for Our Lady of Consolation is not on the main Catholic calendar. However, it is celebrated in specific places, regions, churches, or religious groups. For example, the Augustinians celebrate it on September 4, and the Benedictines celebrate it on July 5.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica y Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Consolación (Carey) para niños
- List of churches in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo
