MORE ON ROME CITY FROM PATTI

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On September 25, 1956, Mary first appeared to Sr. Mildred Neuzil in the large chapel at Sylvan Springs in Rome City, Indiana. Being there on the anniversary of this first apparition, we knew would prove to be miraculous. Each and every time we go there, Mary confirms to us that she is present and that she wants to lead us to her Son, Jesus. Through the selfless volunteers that readily prepare for large groups, to the speakers that also do so any time that they are asked, each pilgrim is left with a special gift from Our Lady. This day would not be an exception.Our day was to consist of a tour at noon, John Thomas speaking at 2pm, Irv Kloska speaking and praying over people at 4 pm, followed by the regularly scheduled Friday night rosary at 6:30 pm. We knew that Larry Young, the owner, would not be there that day due to a court hearing for the property. Hearing the stories directly from Larry is always inspiring. As the tour made it's way into the large chapel, we decided to have John present his talk on his conversion before heading upstairs. During his inspirational talk I noticed that there were many people there for the first time. After his talk we continued the tour and were led upstairs to the weeping room. While on the tour, it is always interesting to chat with the other pilgrims as each person's story for how they arrived at the springs is unique. I had spoken with a small group from Ohio. One man, who was garbed in Ohio State fanfare, complete with a "Buckeye" rosary shared the story of his re-conversion to the Catholic faith. As we made our way upstairs, I asked a young man who appeared to be on his own, if he too was from Ohio. He said that he was from Texas and had driven to Rome City earlier in the week. So, my next questions were, "By yourself?" "What led you to come here?" and "Why?" Yes, he came by himself. He said that he was a recent convert and that he had no support from his family or friends, but he wanted to be there for the anniversary of the first apparition. He had read about Rome City on the website (www.oltiv.org). I stood there dumbfounded, thinking of the many times that I've taken my faith for granted. Yet here stands this 23 year old young man, so in love with his faith, that he would drive across the country to be there. What an example for our youth! What an example for all of us!Also on the tour was another very special young man whose father flew him from Boston to Michigan so that he could make the trip to Rome City with us. Robert is a very special person for many reasons, least of which being his autism. Seeing Sylvan Springs through his eyes, being with him there on that day,is the biggest highlight for me personally that I have experienced. Robert is also a young man that loves and lives his faith on a daily basis. He radiates the love of Jesus for us. There is something contained within him that I want to strive to tap into on a daily basis. On the drive home I asked Robert what happened when Uncle Irv prayed over him. His response was that he saw the face of Jesus. My first thought was, "What a wonderful gift for someone who constantly shows us the love of Christ through his actions."After seeing the weeping room, where oil continues to stream down the walls for no apparent reason, we headed to Holy Family Hill. I always love going up there, for the peacefulness found there is incredible. We then headed back to the large chapel to hear Irv's talk. He shared with us some of the many miracles that have happened at Sylvan Springs and talked about the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. He also shared with us that his brother, Frank, was healed of a bulging disk 3 weeks earlier. Frank had left Sylvan Springs with a gallon of water. On Monday he drank a glass. On Tuesday he drank a glass. That day, the bulging disk had disappeared along with his pain. (Unable to come to the springs on the 25th, he had called me and asked that I get him more of the healing water. He then drove 70 miles the next day to pick up the water at my house. He told me his story again with tears in his eyes, repeating over and over again that it was a miracle.) During this talk, Irv made a statement and then said, "Right Larry?" All eyes turned to the back of the chapel to see Larry walking up the isle. He decided to come to the Springs to give us a first hand account of what happened that day and what was in the plans to save this property, this Holy ground. The judgment was against him and was not a surprise. However, he told us that if they were able to come up with some initial money to pay the monthly bills, that the property could remain a place of pilgrimage. He also told us of a Sister Mary Jane that pulled some strings somehow and got him a spot, taking Fr. Corapi's place on a radio talk show on Tuesday, September 29. She also arranged for Fr. Link to be on EWTN's television show with Raymond Arroyo on October 16th. It is amazing to see how God works. By trusting in Him to provide our faith grows ever stronger. Larry's example to everyone is a true testimony of faith. We are not to give into the world, but to stay close to Him and he will provide for all of our needs. So, thank you, Larry for your example of extreme faith. Thank you to all who continue to visit the springs. Thank you to all of the people that return to the springs bringing other family members and friends in tow. Thank you, Mary, for your many rewards to us for coming to visit you. We love you.