https://www.ourladyofamerica.org/wordpress/2021/12/08/press-release/
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
BISHOP’S DECREE GIVES OUR LADY, PATRONESS OF AMERICA A HOME!
His Excellency, Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne – South Bend issued a Singular Decree on November 3, 2020, which recognized the Our Lady, Mother of Mercy Chapel, Rome City, Indiana as a chapel of the lay faithful. And he further set forth that the Our Lady, Mother of Mercy Center is an allowed place of pilgrimage and is free to engage in public spiritual activities (Holy Mass, Rosary, Confessions, etc.) subject to the immediate vigilance of the Pastor of Saint Gaspar Parish, Rome City.
Further, the Decree went on to allow the devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America to be practiced and promoted at the Mother of Mercy Center.
The devotion’s path was first envisioned by the Bishops having jurisdiction in their Statement Regarding the Devotion to Our Lady of America (May 7, 2020). In subsequent dialogue with Bishop Rhoades the content of the decree was prayerfully envisioned and discerned resulting in his issuance.
“When it was issued, we were still amid extensive renovations and repairs to the Chapel. We have been operating under this decree since March 2020, when we offered the first Mass and now see it appropriate to make known its existence.”, said Al Langsenkamp, Mother of Mercy Center and Foundation President.
Just recently, Bishop Rhoades responded to a request for two changes; he has approved a change in the Center’s name to Our Lady, Patroness of America Center; and has approved a change in the name of the Prayer to the Immaculate Conception to Prayer to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America. Both are in line with his desire that the Center focus attention on her role as Patroness of America.
Fort Wayne – South Bend Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades
Al Langsenkamp added, “The Bishops have given Our Lady, Patroness of America a home where she can welcome, console and bless pilgrims who seek her intercession. Further, they have pointed to her as Our Mother and Our Nation’s Patroness who will intercede for us before the Holy Trinity. She is calling us to imitate the Holy Family in virtue and faith. More so, with the Bishops’ decrees her intercession is available to us personally and as a nation in a new and powerful way! We are most grateful to Bishop Rhoades for his discerning pastoral care and trust in our mission at the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center.”
“May the Lord continue to bless you and your work! May Our Blessed Mother watch over and intercede for you and the pilgrims who come to the Center!” says Bishop Rhoades.
It is now official: devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Virgin, Patroness of America is recognized by the Catholic Church as an allowed devotion of the lay faithful! Our Lady, Patroness of America now has a home and place of pilgrimage. It is the Our Lady, Patroness of America Center, Rome City Indiana. May her abundant Graces flow upon us!
