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 is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is also known as Our Lady of Consolation. This important place is managed by the Order of Saint Francis. The Holy Office has officially named it a National shrine.
In 1971, Pope Paul VI made this Marian shrine a Minor Basilica. He did this with a special paper called Quam Prope Assit. This paper was signed by Cardinal Luigi Traglia.
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Why This Place Is Special
This basilica is one of only seven Roman Catholic basilicas in Ohio. It is also one of about 93 basilicas in the United States. Many Roman Catholic people, especially from the Middle East, visit here every year. They come for a special trip called a pilgrimage. This pilgrimage happens on August 15, which is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The basilica is a special place dedicated to Our Lady of Consolation.
A Look at Its History
The idea of honoring Our Lady of Consolation came to the United States. The first special church for her was built in Carey, Ohio. A beautiful statue was ordered from Luxembourg in 1875. People in Luxembourg already had a strong devotion to Our Lady of Luxembourg.
The first Bishop of Toledo, Joseph Schrembs, asked the Franciscan priests to take care of the shrine. These priests were from Syracuse, New York.
In 1923, a group called the Ku Klux Klan held a gathering. This happened on the edge of town during the yearly procession.
The Basilica and Shrine Area
The shrine area has several buildings. These include the main basilica and the first wooden church from 1875. There is also a parish school and a rectory. The rectory is where the pastor and other Franciscan priests live. A provincial house is also there for Franciscan friars. There is a convent for nuns who live or visit there. A retreat center offers places to stay for visitors. You can also find a gift shop and a cafeteria here.
The First Church Building
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The first church in Carey began being built in 1868. Father Edward Vatmann led this work. When it was finished, it was named St. Edward. Later, Father Joseph Peter Gloden came to serve the church in 1873. The people of Carey worked hard to build the church. They prayed to Mary as Our Lady of Consolation. When the church was finished, they renamed it in her honor.
Father Gloden was from Luxembourg. He got a copy of the statue of Our Lady of Consolation from Luxembourg Cathedral. This wooden statue was 36 inches tall. It showed Mary holding baby Jesus. Both Mary and Jesus wore fancy clothes. On May 24, 1875, the statue was carried in a procession. It went from St. Nicholas church in Frenchtown to the new church. This was about seven miles away. People say the first miracle happened during this walk. A big storm was happening in the area. But during the seven-mile walk, no rain touched the statue or anyone in the procession.
The original church is still used today. It has early morning Mass and special events.
The Main Basilica
More and more visitors came, so a bigger church was needed. In 1924, the red-brick Romanesque church was finished. The main basilica today is built in the Byzantine style. It is located at the corner of Clay and West streets. The main floor has the entrance area, called the narthex. It also has the main worship area, the sanctuary, and the altar. The altar still looks like it did before Vatican II. It has a rail that separates the priest from the people. There are also statues and candles in small areas along the sides. A choir loft with a pipe organ is above the entrance. The statue of Our Lady of Consolation is on the right side altar. The altar on the other side is for Our Lady of Sorrows.
Another worship area is in the basement. There are also places for confessionals there. Along the sides of the basement sanctuary, there are display cases. These show items left by people who were reportedly healed. These items include artificial limbs, canes, and crutches.
The Shrine Park
The nearby Shrine Park has a set of Stations of the Cross. These are religious images that stretch almost a mile along the park's winding road. They go around an outdoor altar. This altar is under a large dome supported by four marble columns. The dome is covered in gold. On top of the dome is a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. You can see this statue from far away. Shrine Park is the end point for the religious procession from the basilica. This procession happens on the Feast of the Assumption.
Our Lady of Consolation
Since the second century, Catholics have honored Mary as Our Lady of Consolation. This is one of her oldest titles. The name "Our Lady of Consolation" means "Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted." It comes from the Latin words Consolatrix Afflictorum. This title is found in the Litany of Loreto. People who moved from Europe helped spread the honor of Our Lady of Consolation in the United States.
Feast Day
The feast day for Our Lady of Consolation is not on the main Roman Catholic calendar. But it is celebrated in certain places, churches, or religious groups. The Augustinians celebrate it on September 4. 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
