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I am compelled to write this letter because of a wonderful experience I had at the Basilica and Shrine Of Our Lady Of Consolation on August 26.
A lady friend had asked me two weeks prior to this date if she could take me. I hadn't been there for at least fifteen years so was very excited about the invite. However, I was having a difficult time with the August humidity. Since I have Multiple Sclerosis the humidity only added to my discomfort. I did agree to go, but asked Our Lady if she could please bring a change in the weather or I would not be able to physically enjoy the trip or my visit there. Our Lady did come through and by Thursday the weather had cooled down considerably. In fact, when we left Whitehouse on Friday, I wore a light sweater. We arrived at the Shrine around 3:10 p.m. A pilgrim group from Cleveland was just receiving a blessing from the four priests in the front of the Basilica. Since there was only one person left in the line nearest the door where I entered on the ramp side, I got into line for a blessing. I told Father I was not with this group but would very much like His blessing. He asked me what my intentions were. I told him and then he prayed over me with the relic of the true cross. No, I wasn't cured of MS nor did I ask for a cure, but I did ask that I could use my sufferings to bring others closer to Christ and that I could continue teaching two days each week in the readiness class; four, five, and six year olds. I felt very warm and blessed as he prayed over me. After the blessing I prayed for all the intentions that were in my mind and heart, all those I had promised to pray for and ever so many intentions. After praying for some time I was going to light a $2.50 blessed candle for all these intentions. As I was going up to the side altar to do this, the lady who brought me, and her two daughters said they would light some candles for me. I'm sure she lit as many candles as $20.00 covered. I continued to pray for her, her daughters, and the many intentions that I had. We then moved over to the other side of the Basilica where Our Lady Of Consolation was, so we could pour out our hearts to her for the world, our country, our cities, all the persons in our lives and their intentions, etc. As we were praying, Brother Joe asked us to join him in the sacristy to watch him change the outfit on Mary and her Son. We were really excited about this. I know I uttered out loud; "This is a miracle". What a privilege and joy to touch the base of the statue and watch Brother Joe and Marge change Our Lady and her Son's outfits. Brother Joe placed my blue rosary in the hands of Jesus then gave it back to me. I treasure these memories everyday when I use my rosary. After Our Lady was placed back in her place-above the-side altar, Brother Joe offered to pray over me. Again I expressed my many intentions, especially for vocations to our congregation, and for strength to continue my work. I was allowed to hold the relic of the true cross as I was being prayed over. We then visited the basement church with all its beautiful relics, statues, and signs of healing through Our Lady Of Consolation. We arrived home around 7:00 p.m. Needless to say I was not tired at all but filled with such joy and energy that I had a hard time getting to sleep that night. I am sending along two pictures from my day at Carey. May many others find the same consolation I did. I plan to return again, and sooner than fifteen years from now. I will continue to pray for all the renovation at the Shrine, and for all the OFM Conv. that make the place run so smoothly. May Mary and her Son continue to bless you! Can you tell I have caught "the comfort, strength, and power found through the intercession of Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted." as mentioned in your July Issue of the Apostolate in the article by Ann Yost. I am truly grateful to Sharonkae and her two daughters, Heather and Heidi, for making this day a reality for me. I shall never forget it! Sister M.M., Ohio
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