Open Letter from the Owners of Sylvan Springs
To All of Our Lady’s Faithful Children,
On behalf of my entire family, I would like to express our sincere thanks to all who have been supportive of Our Lady of America and our private effort to preserve this Holy Ground for the use of all those in need of God’s healing grace. For all of those who have given their help to OLTIV, I can assure you it has been worthwhile. So many more people have come to know about Our Lady of America through their efforts.
It has been a unique privilege and opportunity to do this work at Our Lady’s request. It was not what we had intended on doing when we started on this venture seven years ago, but it turns out it is exactly what She had in mind.
I have learned many things along the way:
Our Lady has a keen sense of humor. Most mothers do when it comes to their children. She has used us in so many crazy ways that, once you stop and realize what She has just gotten you to do, you can’t help but sit and laugh at how incredibly funny She is. Her escort angels are pretty hilarious too, but you’ll all have to wait a little longer to hear about them and their antics.
We have had so many people show up at this place, with the same bewildered look on their face, saying “Forgive me, but I have no idea why I’m here.” We soon came to learn that the Holy Spirit was guiding these people here (some from overseas) for specific reasons, each one different from the last. We learned to drop what we were doing and attend to them so God could do His work with these people. Each one of these visitors left here healed in the specific way they needed. I’ve learned that people should come expecting nothing but take what they are given because Our Lady knows you better than you know yourself and She will give you what you need, not necessarily what you want.
People have often asked about the water and the healings. I’ve learned the water is a metaphor for God’s grace that emanates from this property. It has been this way from the very beginning when the future Archbishop Noll helped the young Dr. Geiermann to acquire the property for its use as a healing center. It was then supported over the years by the hard work and sacrifices made by the many devoted Sisters of The Precious Blood who worked tirelessly, some even giving their lives, to help heal those who were sent here for healing or tender care in their last days. I feel it is because of these committed acts of love that Our Lady chose this place to deliver the central Our Lady of America messages.
Just as the spring water that flows year-round from underneath this property collects in the ponds and canals before finally overflowing into the river tributary where it joins the rest of the world, so it is with the special graces that flow from this place. People come here, receive these graces, and end up taking some extra blessings with them which, in turn, are passed on to others they come into contact with.
I think it is no coincidence that the dramatic increase in frequency of reported healings and spiritual awakenings taking place here (examples of God’ graces) share the same timeline as the rebirth of a once-dormant spring. This spring had not flowed since the Sisters of The Precious Blood left this place in 1977 and it suddenly erupted back to life on Good Friday afternoon a few weeks ago. This increase in God’s graces is being echoed in the unheard of doubling of the life-sustaining spring waters flowing from this property. This is a definite sign that should be properly acknowledged.
If there is one thing I would like everyone to remember, it is this:
Our Lady of America knows what you need and also knows what those around you need. She knows how to use us to move these graces amongst her children like the flowing water. Water always finds the path of least resistance just like God’s graces. Stop trying so hard and just work on being obedient. Be less resistant. Say “yes” to Her call and She will do the rest.
We have never felt like owners of this property even though we have always felt a great responsibility to act as stewards in preparing it for its highest and best use.
We knew nothing about Our Lady of America when we took this project on, but we have learned what we need to do to help ensure the success of Sylvan Springs in bringing families closer to Jesus Christ. We know what needs to be done.
Canon law requires that shrines not be privately owned. They must be owned by a not-for-profit and overseen by a religious order that need to show a secondary use of the property besides that of a shrine. This facility could easily be run as a semi-retirement home for religious while serving the various pilgrims who are very interested in visiting. It is also set up to handle water bottling and athletic competitions on any of the twelve high-quality athletic fields which have been constructed. It could be a very unique situation for America.
We have been working for nearly two years to find the right group or individual to provide the funding support necessary to convert this property and hold it for Our Lady of America’s work. Unfortunately, our ability to keep up this search has come to an end. Unless a solution to our needs presents itself immediately, we will be selling the property on the open market. This is a terribly painful decision for our family but it is the only option we have left.
If anyone reading this is interested in being a part of something special, please do not hesitate to contact us through the OLTIV email at info@oltiv.org. We are open to suggestions from interested parties. Partnership opportunities, outright purchase, or leasing are possible business relationships that could ensure the success of this facility.
Respectfully,
Larry Young
Managing Partner
posted by OLTIV @ 5:30 PM
70 Comments
70 Comments:
Thank you Larry for sharing so openly.
What a great sense of perspective these peopel have shown. I am saddened by this news. I pray that some group or individual will rise to accept this work for Our Lady of America.
I love the comparison between the water and God's graces. This property is too important for Our Lady of America to not be protected.
Alan
I agree this property is too precious to be anything but a peaceful place for people to gather and pray. I have been there and it gave me a sense of "closeness" I cannot adequately describe. It may not be acknowledged as a "holy shrine" by the church until final confirmation is achieved, but that would not prohibit it from doing what it is already doing on a much larger scale.
Why doesn't someone from the Fostoria center step up and take things over? It seems like it all should be put together and run from this facility. Too many good fruits are being shed for this to be ignored.
Larry and his family appear to have discerned what Our Lady is asking and I thank them from the bottom of my own sinful heart for their strength and conviction in carrying this weight for so long. I can only imagine what adversity they have had to conquer in this very emotional movement. People can be very cynical in their attacks but the faithful heart will always prevail.
I pray that the right remedy will surface quickly. Somebody out there who has been given plenty must have the resources to help.
God bless you Larry and Lynn.
Thank you for opening up this avenue for all of us to share what Our Lady gave and shared with you.
And they will call you Blessed!
"Water always finds the path of least resistance just like God’s graces. Stop trying so hard and just work on being obedient. Be less resistant. Say “yes” to Her call and She will do the rest."
That just about says it all in my book. I think we get caught up in trying too hard that we forget how easy it is for God's love to reach us. The "mechanics" of our faith get in the way sometimes.
This was a very touching letter from someone who has obviously been called to this special work. I feel for this family and wish to join with the others in thanking them for having responded to Her call.
Please pray for the successful transition of this property to a not for profit who will continue to hold this holy ground for Our Lady of America. Maybe someone will step forward to work with OLTIV and the OLOA center to achieve this goal BEFORE the Bishop's conference. What a powerful message to the Bishops that would be! True Faith at Work!!
It will be interesting to see if anybody really cares.
I think most of the people that go to these places are too close to their money and won't shed a dime unless they get something with a logo on it.
So sad.
Thanks for answering Her call.
"I think most of the people that go to these places are too close to their money and won't shed a dime unless they get something with a logo on it."
That is because they have worked hard for their pay and are not easily duped into giving it to shady characters who are everywhere these days, and who will even exploit the faith that some good people put in the Blessed Virgin to scam them out of their money. It is prudent that they hold onto their money or donate to a known and trusted Parish or Charity instead of some obscure and fishy-smelling outfit that is trying to sell them illusions and counterfeits. You see, the Lord's sheep are not so easily "fleeced."
So, all of these people who have been having wonderful healings and the family who were all baptized on Easter are just sheep who were fleeced?
If that's the case, I think we could all use a good fleecing.
As for giving to charities and parishes, I'm scaling back because our Diocese just filed bankruptcy from all of these "alleged" atrocities performed by priests
under the control of these "good" Bishops Our Lady was trying to warn us about in 1956.
I couldn't agree more with the last statement. Documented facts from the last 90 years. The writing is on the wall. I don't know what else anyone or the Church could want, but we believed 3 kids didn't we? Here we have Priest's and Nuns claiming of things that have happened there but they must have been liars and all the other people who have went there and felt the same thing everyone else does. It's this great plan that everyone should lie about this place for nearly 90 years. If You think it's a scam we do not want your advice ALL MIGHTY ONE. Get a life. Thanks Rocco
Don't worry everybody. I had a message this morning from the Virgin Mary and everything will work out just fine.
She said she's going to bring in some high rollers and turn the place into a casino. It's already named BlueChip, so we're almost there.
KRIS said
Please people. Again, don't feed the anonymous troll. Let's speak only of prayer for a resolution of this matter within God's will.
I agree with Kris!!
Ignore the anonymous troll who obviously has nothing better to do than to go on websites and disgust people!!
Ignore the Troll and pray to Our Lady. Don't feed this person anymore with counter comments.
God bless you all,
Lhea
I had a nice visit to Rome City today even though clouds seemed threatening. No rain on my watch so it was good for me.
My friend and I were praying a rosary on the hill and we couldn't help but notice a man working on the lawn (this is no ordinary lawn) by himself. He had trouble with his machine, so he had to walk back to the buildings for another machine to fix the first one. Then he had to take the second machine back and walk back to where the first machine was. He must have walked 3/4 mile or more. Then he went back to work while we watched and prayed.
Later on, we were walking around and we saw him working in another area all by himself. I mean, this place looks beautiful and this guy is working all by himself keeping it up.
We walked over to where he was and we asked a few questions and we came to find out it was Larry. So we asked him about his letter and he said it was one of the hardest things he has had to do but that he felt it was the only way this place could ever fluorish to help hundreds at a time rather than one or two at a time. What a good sense of humor too. We told him we were praying for him and that we hoped Our Lady would bring the right person here soon to help take this to where it needs to be as a pilgrimage spot.
If you have never been to this place, all I can say is you will not believe how wonderfully peaceful it feels. I can certainly see this place filled with people in prayer someday.
Sylvan Springs exudes blessings. If one opens their heart, they will find a sense of peace there.
I once asked the nephew of a bishop if Sylvan was like Medjugorje (I have never had an opportunity to visit there) and this man whom I had just met said YES, Sylvan is exactly like Medjugorje.
I have seen the sun spin marvelously at Sylvan. I have seen bunches of blue butterflies there which I believe is a rare phenomenon and some say symbolizes the presence of the Blessed Mother. AND I experienced this Medjugorje-like peace on a visit before Larry took over Sylvan Springs.
How can this be? A place of accumulated graces? A professor once explained the more you do good works, the more grace one has and in essence the grace builds on itself. I believe Sylvan is a place of accumulated graces and I challenge those skeptics to visit Sylvan with an open heart and experience it yourself.
I agree with kc wholeheartedly and I believe Larry hit the nail on the head as to why Our Lady chose this place to make herself known as Our Lady of America. It is because of these accumulated graces about which Larry's letter speaks in regards to the sacrifices of these nuns over the years and to which kc is professing are there today.
I have been to Lourdes, Fatima, Betania, and Medjugorje (several times in the past decade) as part of tours (guide). I also stop to Rome City every chance I get when driving through the midwest. I can ASSURE you it is every bit as full of that feeling of grace and depth as ANY of the other places I have mentioned. Our Lady greets me with Her open arms when I drive through the gates.
I have had the opportunity to pray in the chapel and walk the grounds quietly connecting with Our Lord. I am impressed with the open letter from Larry and the candor with which he speaks. He knows more than he can probably say here and I think that speaks volumes as to his own credibility. I felt it before I had even heard of him or spoken to him in years past.
I believe this place should be run as a 501 c-3 and it should be directed by an order of religious under the loving and open-hearted protection of the local Bishop whether or not OLOA is confirmed this year or 50 years from now. There is fruit to harvest and time, I fear, is running short.
Look at the signs around you and listen to what Our Lord and Our Lady are saying in the many messages that have been given over the years and the connections that run through the OLOA messages and their direct relation to what has happened these past 50 years in our own country.
The time for OLOA is now and the time to gather is now. I had read an earlier comment about gathering at places around the country to pray for OLOA and be recognized. I will be at Rome City this weekend to pray. Do you care to join me?
I see the For Sale listing. WHAT A PROPERTY!!
What is going on out there with OLOA? How can this be happening? This place cannot be lost to developers.
I understand Larry and his family have been working on turning this place over, but why isn't anyone responding to help? There are so many who have been blessed beyond anyone's imagination who must be able to respond.
PLEASE, somebody do something! I feel such sorrow right now I am beside myself.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Infant Jesus of Prague, pray for us.
Padre Pio, pray for us.
St. Faustina, pray for us.
Our Lady of America, pray for us.
KRIS said
May I ask the last commenter just where the property is listed?
The article here:
http://www.pdtsigns.com/neuzilsun.html
speaks of the visit to these grounds by the nephew of Archbishop Leibold and the wonderful experiences of the spinning sun and butterflies (the blue butterfly is also a phenomenon at the approved site of Betania, Venezuela). Could this nephew of Archbishop Leibold be a contact of interest for at least some influence with possible buyers or religious order?
All here who are interested in helping ... why don't we each pick a time daily to offer a rosary or chaplet or litany to the Blessed Mother for the intention that She send quickly a solution to this problem.
I suggest that as many people as possible come to the Friday night rosary this Friday May 4. If you are within a two or three hour ride this is the thing to do. You can see the Holy Family Hill, The Good Friday Well,the two chapels, the weeping wall, and most of all PRAY THE FIFTEEN DECADE ROSARY for the success of this place and that it be revered as the HOLY GROUND that it is. Our Lady was here and I believe is still here. The time for action is NOW, not next week or next month. I will see you there and I will bring my carved statue inspired by Our Lady.
Kris-
the listing is right on the front page of this blog. just click the photo of the campus with the For Sale sign. It's where the statue of OLOA that they were helping sell used to be.
The archbishop leibold nephew letter is also in the archives on this site. it was one of the first articles as I recall.
I met his wife at one of the earlier prayer meetings at Sylvan back in 2001. She said there was a lot more to the story that was not in her husband's letter. maybe he would be of influence? who knows? all I care about is that this place not fall into hands that will not fulfill Our Lady's requests.
There is the FRiday night rosary at Sylvan every Friday at 7 pm. If you can't make it there, pray in your own homes or gather with your own groups.
I took one of their prayer sheets one time and I pray it every week.
The Prayer to the Immaculate Conception
The Infant Jesus of Prague Novena asking for the success of Sylvan Springs in bringing families closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ (since 2001)
The 15 Decade Rosary
The Divine Mercy Chaplet
If you can make it there, I highly recommend it. If nothing else, it will show great support.
You good people need to realize that the more you pray to our Blessed Mother, the more that place in Indiana will fail to be approved by the Church, and the less that people of faith will go anywhere near that place because prayer protects us from lies and deceptions of wolves in sheep's clothing. Your prayers will be answered in the best way which will not be the way that you expect, for the Lord often gives us what is best for us instead of what we want in order to draw us closer to Him and protect us from evil.
So, be thankful that Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother are protecting you from your enemies pretending to be friends. By all means, continue praying the rosary so that God will continue to shield you from that counterfeit in Indiana and its web of trickery that is designed to snare you. The failure of that false apparition site testifies to the great Fatherly love of God, and the Motherly love of the Blessed Virgin Mary, towards their children on Earth! Praise God!
God bless each one of you and fill you with glad hearts full of love for Him!
I've received confirmation that the property is definitely on the market. This is terrible. Somebody has to know somebody. Or, maybe you are that body.
Please help.
I believe these accounts and I so love the Our Lady of America messages and what She is asking.
Oh PITA!
You are such a negative. How do you ever get anywhere in your faith?
I am sorry you feel that the Holy Spirit is dead. Your words show your miserable heart's agony.
KRIS said
Thank you OLOA Warrior for info.
Yes, I had seen the aerial views - was just wondering if we are permitted to know the asking price - or range - or must a realtor be contacted? What kind of offer would be acceptable? When I've mentioned this news to some others they've asked me about details which I don't have. And, I only recalled the AB Leibold nephew's story because it will have to be those who believe and who have had blessed experiences to interest the kind of possible buyers or religious orders for assistance - rather than those only interested in financial gain from the property. I've recently written to Archbishop Burke to alert him - if he hasn't been knowledgable of this site - of course it's out of his episcopal jurisdiction but he is backing this cause. I received a general acknowledgement.
Prayer is the big thing of course. I'm praying for God's plan to be realized....from here....about 14 hours away! Hopefully the local population there will become better informed and the prayer gatherings will get larger. What about the local diocesan paper - or even local papers that could run articles on the web just as recently was done about Emmitsburg up in this area? What about Fort Wayne folks and the local bishop? Has anyone asked for a diocesan study of reported "miracles" to get this place on the wider news map of more interest? Once that happens the news seems to draw all kinds of crowds (Medjugore?) - like recent article from SpiritDaily.com re: more reported miraculous events and the bishops' responses.
The amount of acreage undeveloped reminds me of the land around Mother Angelica's shrine where Catholic families have built homes and receive the blessings of that holy area.
God bless
Kris-
I sent an email to info@oltiv.org and received a response. If you want the particulars, you need to send your name, address, phone and email to them along with a description of your intended business activity.
They will respond fairly quickly.
Kenneth
I was to Rome City today with my kids. What a gorgeous setting. And it is so peaceful. The kids can't wait to go back.
The news of the sale of the property is very real. I talked with a gentleman there and he said it is very painful for everyone involved, but it is the only thing they can do. The owner was actually showing the property to an interested buyer this afternoon. I am certain there will be people lining up. It has sooooo much potential for so many things but the only thing I care about is that it remain simple for Our Lady of America's sake.
We will try to make it back for the rosary on Friday.
On the way to work today I saw a sign: For Sale www.oltiv.org
It was on the main hiway signs at Sylvan Springs. This is very disturbing.
As a local, I know what people have been saying about this property since it was purchased back from The Way. People WILL be lining up to throw their hats in the ring for this one.
I was so thrilled when I first heard a Catholic family had rescued the facility. They have done marvelous work there fixing it up. It will be like a death in the family if this place is lost again.
I saw the sign on the billboard this morning and I came to the website to see what was going on.
I've driven past this place twice a day or more for nearly 40 years. In that time, it always felt comforting whenever I saw that long stretch of lawn and the tidy buildings and grounds. You could always sense there was something "special" about the place.
I think the owner's letter captures my sentiments very well. I never knew exactly how to explain it, but I think he, of all people, should know what it is that makes this place "special" and he has described it very eloquently. It is these graces that have been accumulated over the years that I have been feeling.
Do you know that feeling when the celebrity guest enters the room and everyone stops to pay attention? That is the same thing that happens whenever I drive by this place. Today, when I saw the sign, I thought how sad this must be and I blessed myself with a sign of the cross. Kepp in mind I'm not even Catholic, but I can certainly share the Godly spirit that is dwelling within the gates of this attarctive and restful setting.
I have heard the stories of healing and salvation from other local residents who feel they have been helped by the presence of this place and I do not doubt it a bit. If nothing else, it almost makes you examine your own conscience when you pass by...kind of like slowing down when you see a patrol car.
I will pray that a good person steps up to help. I will be telling all of my friends who have money that they now ahve an opportunity to do something meaningful rather than buying ANOTHER house or something.
The name Sylvan Springs has a rather sinister connotation. Sylvan refers to the pagan deity Sylvanus -- a demonic Roman idol. It suggests a demonic undercurrent in that place. Thank God that He protects His faithful from such dark escapades.
God bless you all, and keep demonic deceptions away from you.
To Anonymous-
how is it down in that miserable hole? are you getting enough light?
I like the idea of people all praying the rosary together tomorrow. If you cannot make it to Rome City, pray where you are at 7 pm for the intentions of OLOA.
I only suspect a demonic undercurrent from you. You piece of crap. Have another nice day in the hole. It's really unfortunate there are so many sick ..... like you in the world. Rocco
come on people. don't forget the first rule of the blog. Don't Feed The Troll!
Now, Rocco, you should apologize for that piece of crap comment. Everyone knows trolls are bottom-feeders, so they can't help themselves. You are picking on their disability. The ADA is going to be at your door any minute now to take you into custody for being intolerant. Now that the Democrats are back in charge, you can't say anything. Uh-oh....I think I just saw Jesse Jackson heading your way. RUN!!
Please stop this negative talk.
All those who read this post, please say a decade of the rosary for the healing of heart and mind of this angry anonymous poster and for the protection of this site. Please... the negative talk just distracts everyone from the true focus.
I agree with KC. Enough is enough of this stuff being said back and forth. We cannot stop this negative person, and by rights they unfortunately have the right to view their opinion. But name calling towards this person and making jokes about them is not the best way to handle our prayers to save Sylvan Springs.
Please raise yourself above this person who is voicing negative comments and realize your negative and less than Christian like response is NOT going to stop this nor help all of us who are pryaing very hard to save Our Lady's refuge.
God bless us all, even this person who has the right to say what they want, whether we like it or not.
Please remember who we all are. We are disciples of Christ and He would not like us conducting ourselves in responses like this.
Kris, said it best. Ignore this person and keep our focus where it belongs--In prayer for the Blessed Mother and Sylvan Springs.
LHEA
Please come tomorrow night to say the rosary wit us at 7 PM.
Ok then I will stop. But from the famous words of the great late Flip Wilson. "The devil made me do it." Lighten up everyone your all trying to be (and I don't even know if this is a word but I think you will get my point) to Religously Correct). I don't think a little negativity is going to help or hinder this getting done but I have my rights to opinions also. If I Get punished for it by our maker so be it. Thanks Rocco
If Mr.Young wants this facility for charitable functions for the sake of OLOA...Why doesn't he just donate the property to the catholic church? Wouldn't that be an act of ultimate sacrifice in the name of Our Lady Of America? If I should donate to this cause what proof will I have that it is TRULY being used to help our church/community and not just to further Oltiv's cause? I'm NOT trying to hate/discriminate by asking these questions. I'm a practicing catholic. I have the priviledge of residing here in beautiful Rome City. My family has historical ties to Kniepp Springs. I'm simply trying to get to the bottom of what Mr.Young is asking. Why haven't I read anything about this cause in any of my Catholic publications? Why hasn't my church pointed me in the direction of this cause and asked me to donate time/money to your requests. I'm NOT trying to condemn anything that is TRULY meant to help those in need so PLEASE don't judge me for my questions/comments. If your plan to rejuvenate OLOA comes to fruition and you get the donations pouring in to over flowing like the waters...Will you give back to the church/community? In other words who will hold you accountable for this not-for-profit organization. Will your books be open to the public? Just call me Curious in Rome City...
Rocco, these comments are not meant directly at you or at anyone in particular. We have all done what you and others have done in the past on this blog in anger and disgust with this person and others; if not in words but in thoughts. But, if you don't mind me saying, you are mistaken if you feel any negative thinking even joking will not affect this cause. It will; and it has nothing to do with being religiously politically ccorrect. It has to do with the Universal thought process of what you put out is what you get back in thought as much as actions and words.
We are all guilty of thinking if not saying what you and others have said.
Let us all lighten up and just keep a positive thought in our minds on saving Sylvan Springs and getting Our Lady into the Shrine in D.C.
God bless,
Lhea
I think the rome city person should try going to the rosary tonite and ask these questions directly to those gathered.
I doubt they have the direct ties they speak of, otherwise, they would have been going to the rosaries for the past 5 years.
Maybe Mr. Young doesn't have the means to make such a big donation to the Church. How many people do you know who could do that? He has to take care of his family too, doesn't he? Do you even know him or have you tried speaking to him? From the questions you are asking, I dare say not. I don't even know if they would accept it as broke as they always claim to be.
All NFP's have to file reports which are open for anyone to walk in and request to review. OLTIV and others are just trying to keep this place for Our Lord's and Lady's work and not have it be owned by the Church. Why give them ANOTHER asset to sell to pay debts for some other outrageous action by an "alleged" abuser priest like is going on in so many other Diocesan areas? I'm all for building the Church, but I think we are entering a new age of asset management so NFP's can hold property and preserve it from seizure because of acts of "alleged" bad priests. It can be done with a good, mindful board of directors as I am sure would be put in place to run this facility in close contact with the Church and all the other faith-based groups in this country. I don't think Our Lady of America said Her message was just for Catholics now, did she? That would be arrogant. I think it is up to people of good faith to carry this banner forward and to continue to bear fruit that will endure.
This story WAS carried in the Sunday Visitor or Today's Catholic last year (I forget which...I get both). The headline stated "Apparition Has Some Official Support" and was very positive. You should keep up on your reading. You should also read the news and info on www.ourladyofamerica.com
You are very lucky to be so close to something so wonderful. I suggest you do the reading and come to a fuller understanding. Or, maybe it is like how Our Lord had to leave town to be recognized because those around him denied him.
I agree with Karen. This Rome City person should get off her chair and go to the rosary and meet some people and find out what the situation is. It sounds like this person is like a lot of people and they don't bother to get the answers, they just sit back and accuse without any real knowledge of the facts. I'd say they may be curious but are probably lazy.
Again...let us keep the focus on the Blessed Mother.
When Fatima and Lourdes happened, there were, and I am sure still are, naysayers. Just as people learn at different rates and in different ways, belief is like that. Not everyone is the same in this regard.
So, we can wallow in condemning and being negative toward those who disagree with our love for the beauty of Sylvan Springs and what it represents, or we can spend our time in prayer asking for continued blessings that we know are part of this place.
I prefer the latter.
That person from Rome City is more proof that there is nothing of Our Lady's presence in that Sylvan Springs hangout. That person actually LIVES in the area, unlike many of you unfortunate dupes, and has seen no miracles nor any special signs. That should awaken you to the truth that Sylvanus Springs is a demonic deception. It is nothing but a gimmicky attempt to sucker christians, in particular Catholics, who believe in the apparitions that have occurred at the GENUINE apparition sites such as Fatima and Lourdes. Fortunately, the Shepherds of the church, and the vast majority of Catholics can see through this blasphemous scheme and are neglecting the place. Thank God!
God bless you and keep you away from evil places!
KRIS said
For the purpose of clarification only. We ARE interested in the Truth now aren't we?
Fatima and Lourdes ... hmmmm. And the name "Fatima" had and has no double meaning for that particular place of Marian worship??? Of course there was an intention of God in that seemingly opposing title of Marian intervention!
And Lourdes? The specific use of a garbage dump with its known presence of all kinds of infecting human waste? How could anyone of the time of its institution accept such a foundation or a seer acting as a pig? Why, of course, the devil was in it, mocking!
One is quite ignorant of our Faith if one chooses not to acknowledge the many magnificent "palaces" of Catholic triumph that were built over pagan temples. We should salute such triumphs of Christ, not degrade them.
The true miracles are in the Faith itself within the believer - given through the witnessing of miraculous phenomena or not. But it's always in the seeking will for such (seek and you shall find) ... not the stubborn pride which can only limit graces offered through such. As Augustine says (paraphrasing), believe first and then comes knowledge. "Little children" throughout history have always been seen by the worldly as "dupes"!!!
Positive mmmmmmmmmm Positive mmmmmmmmmm
Positive mmmmmmmmmm
Positive mmmmmmmmmm
Deep Breath
Positive mmmmmmmmmm
Positive mmmmmmmmmm
Positive mmmmmmmmmm
Positive mmmmmmmmmm
Deep Breath
I'm trying I think Lhea's advice is working.
Thank You, I knew could, I knew I could Thank You Rocco
The first sorrowful mystery, The Agony in the Garden.
Our Father who are in heaven...
People,people...you are misunderstanding me. I DO! believe in the miracles/sitings at the springs. I'm not questioning that. And I wasn't questioning the fact of the apparitions being in publication. I was questioning why there haven't been any notices in our religious publications to help by donating time/money to the springs. I'm NOT arrogant enough to suggest that OLOA is meant just for catholics but it seems to me that that is what Oltiv is gearing it towards....the catholic masses...YES, I am a resident and not stupid enough to explain the historical ties to the springs in order to protect my anonymous comments. We live in a small community and I'd like to protect my family from the honest questions/comments I've made here. I haven't called anyone names...(like the LAZY comment)Or questioned anyones beliefs or said I was a 'naysayer' of OLOA. I am trying to get answers that you have accused me of not getting off my butt to find. I thought I'd ask them here in this forum. You ask why I don't ask Mr. Young in person...Well, the reaction I got from this site is exactly the reason...judgement/accusations and name calling. You 'assume'I haven't been to the rosary held on friday evenings. Does that make me a non believer? No...I simply choose to worship in church. And I'm NOT saying that the rosary held there is a bad thing. IT'S GREAT!! More power to you. It's clearly obvious that the blogs here are made by friends/family and associates of the owners and are bias. It's pretty sad that I see comments about bad priests/poor practices in the church and that's exceptable. I guess I should have realized I'd get the same treatment. Oh yeah...and about the church selling because they couldn't afford the up keep of the springs or needed the money for other endeavers...Isn't that why it's for sale now? Just as you have doubts about the way the church would run things, I have mine about Oltiv. No harm in a few questions...right? I want/wish/pray that the springs are used for faith based practices. That would truly be wonderful. I give it to god. Whatever happens to the springs is in his hands. This is my last message so no worries...I don't have any ill will towards anyone associated to this site or the springs...I was curious but I think I got my answers. Peace Be With You All...
Sylvan is a place of peace....a peace for all people, not just Catholics.
There are accumulated graces here. There have been awesome signs and wonders. You are welcome to respectfully question but what I have been reading from anonymous posts has been sad and painful.
I believe everyone is welcome at Sylvan Springs who come with open hearts.
To the rome city anonymous comment-
I suggest you go to the rosary and see for yourself and involve others in a discussion of these topics. You have no idea what is going on, but you seem to want answers and you will not, I believe, get the satisfactory answers you seek unless you do this very thing. You will not find any hostility there, I assure you.
Your original comment was a far cry from your second comment. Virtually every one of your litany of questions was based in negativity and not a positive and hopeful respect as which you seem to suggest in your second letter. You seem to think that Larry should just donate the property when you have no idea of the facts or any of his or his family's sacrifices to get this far. I do know because I have taken the time to talk to him and understand what is going on, personally, in his family and with this particular property and the national movement for OLOA.
There have been calls, nationally, for help with this project. That is/has been the focus of this website. To educate and to request help from good people like you from all over. This is not just a local thing and it is not just for Catholics. Several comments on this blog re" healings and conversions have come from non-Catholics (especially the ex-Way couple) Forgive the majority of people on this blog being Catholic, but I can't do anything about that. Many of the search links to this site come from other Catholic sites.
I ask you to be open to the ultimate grace that God has, I believe, ordained for this property. I hope that your old ties to the property can be renewed in an even greater and more glorious way for your entire family and community and the generations to follow.
Dear Curious in Rome,
I agree with you that you have a right to question. We have had terribly negative things said in the last several months about Sylvan Springs on line, and for those of us who are so faithful to this cause that we may have a tendency to come across too negative at times from those who appear to say the devil places his home on these grounds.
I guess we are all human, and make bad judgement errors.
I don't think all of us commenting on the website all know the owners, and a lot of us have never even been to Sylvan Springs. We live too far away. Our faith comes from the messages shared by this website in letting all know the messages given to Sister Mildred 50 years ago, and Now, the many miracles of converstion, vision, locutions, and physical healings that have come in the last year or so with witnesses who have told us about it.
Those of us who have not witnessed these things, believe because of our discernment to the Holy Spirit in our prayers. We also believe as Sister Mildred and Archbishop Liepold did 50 years ago, that Our Lady of America was a true apparition.
I am sorry you feel you were trampled upon. I don't think that was meant to be the intention, although it may have come across that way by some of us. I am sure everyone is so emotional we are forgetting what this is all about. It is about Peace, and Love for one another and safety for Our country and the world; and for getting Our Lady of America in the Shrine in Washington D.C. Somewhere the message can get lost because of the emotional responses negative and positive comments may tend to cause.
Please know that this is not Catholic only. It never has been according to OLTIV and says so right on the website Heading that this is ecumenical. This is not even for Christians only. We are all children of the Blessed Mother and God no matter what our religion teaches us or what we truly believe. My family upbringing has no religion and most are basically atheistic. That does not make them any less Children of Mary or her Son in the eyes of Our Father and His Mother.
I apologize for anything I have said in the past that may have been offensive to anyone, or even thoughts in that direction. I agree with Lhea and KC to move forward and let us all believe what we want, ignore what bothers us, and pray and move on.
Prayer does also not have to be the rosary or prayers of Catholicism or even Christianity. Prayers can be in any form a person believes prayer is.
I know this website believes that because they have said it many times. Please keep your heart open and pray for what you believe and what you want and don't let others like us or anyone else take you away from your faith and the way you pray to your God. Also give Sylvan Springs a chance and pray that the best for it will be done.
Know that the owners are not like some have tried to make them out. They are good people that I have checked out in my own personal way, and know they are only doing what their faith and love for Our Lady is asking.
Ask your questions, but ask them not in the forum but directly to OLTIV website so they, the owners, can respond directly to you.
Go in peace and God bless,
One of the group
Rocco,
Good Job in not responding to that one comment you wanted so badly to respond to.
Believe it or not I wanted to respond to it also.
Keep it up and let us all take the hint from Rocco and try to keep our thoughts pure, particularly today as we all gather to pray either at the Springs or in our homes the 15 decade Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
For those who are not Catholic, please pray with us in your personal way of prayer.
God bless,
LHEA
Is anyone having trouble using this website?
yes...for some odd reason I couldn't access this site only for about a half hour. Did anyone else experience this?
I think that it is pretty natural to have questions about the future of this lovely property especially now when we've learned of its open sale.
The owner has stated I believe, that when he initially purchased the property he did not know of its connection to the OLOA cause so one assumes that he purchased it with another vision for it in mind...not that he himself was some philanthropist. Since learning of its connection along with his own personal messages it would appear that he has done what he could, within his means, to help it to come to some fruition for this purpose, but he can not do it alone.
My only sadness is that this blog was not introduced much earlier so that more people could witness to their personal experiences and thus have the property come to be better known nationally and through a time for more articles about such "miracles".
A question I have that could I think be answered in this forum is whether the local bishop has visited the property any time recently ... and if the miracles have been brought to the attention of the diocese to be looked into. Of course this can't be done unless those who've seen such phenomena or been healed in some way bring it to the attention of the diocese. Has anyone done that and would you be willing to?
Of course it is intended for all of Mary's children ... just as Medjugorje is, but still, as Medjugorje and other Marian shrines, it will continue its Catholic character and would be under the watchful eye of the local bishop for the guidance of the faithful...just as are other places that have not reached Church approval as yet. This would be especially true if the future includes Eucharistic adoration or other sacraments and/or devotions.
From what I have been told the local Bishop is aware of many things that have gone on at the Springs, but I do not know exactly what and whether he has visited the Springs.
Someone else may know more about that part of it.
I also do not know what the Bishop thinks of all of this either, so perhaps someone else does. Maybe he is one of the bishops working with the other ones we have heard of who have a great interest in OLOA.
Sorry guys...I know I said I wouldn't post again but I feel I need to sincerly apologize. I think anonymous said what I should have in the first blog I shot off. The one I am referring to had this to say in part of their message...
Of course it is intended for all of Mary's children ... just as Medjugorje is, but still, as Medjugorje and other Marian shrines, it will continue its Catholic character and would be under the watchful eye of the local bishop for the guidance of the faithful...just as are other places that have not reached Church approval as yet. This would be especially true if the future includes Eucharistic adoration or other sacraments and/or devotions.
Thank you for writing that and the other parts of your message. Believe me when I say...Lord I am not worthy to recieve you but only say the word and I shall be healed. Your words reminded me of that. Yes...I was a bit offended but that's no excuse for my offense. I spoke harshly but please believe me when I say that using your voice through a computer can be misunderstood.
I TRULY mean it when I say I'll pray on this and pray for you and your endeavers. I'll leave you in peace. This time I mean it...lol. And leave others that visit here with their own opinions. Thanks for listening.
On behalf of this entire community, I would like to express my thanks and understanding of your situation. Computer talk can be misconstrued...all the more reason why you should go and open communications with the people who are meeting regularly to pray on Fridays (and go speak with the owners directly).
To Curious in Rome City, In,
What a beautiful and heartfelt apology; even if many of us may not feel it was necessary.
It did not offend me, as I know we all say things we mean and don't mean and than get all mixed up and email is awful in trying to explain without the tone of voice and inflection when things are said.
You have a right to your opinion, as I do mine, and others do theirs. Yours was not done as harshly and without tact, as many have been done, it just was written quickly like we all do when we comment on blogs. Sometimes it is hard to get the words out.
I for one understand and thank you for choosing to let us know your true feelings.
Now I will sign off to prayer the 15 decade rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet since I am too far away to be there in person. It starts in a few minutes.
God bless you,
One of the Group
My heart is sad.
I have spent nearly 70 adult years living in this town. I recall how life was when the sisters were running the place and people came from all over the country to feel better and take the waters. They were not all catholics then either.
Since the time the sisters have left, this town has not been the same. The way people came in and drugs and an immoral character has taken over many of the people who live around here. It makes me sad to see it, but maybe that is how it is everywhere these days. I dont know for certain. There are still a lot of good folks too but they just dont seem to be as happy as they once were. Maybe that is life catching up with them.
I think what Larry has done over there is nothing short of amazing. He is trying so hard to do the right thing and you just dont see that very much anymore. All anybody cares about is making more money, but he seems to care about people, especially kids, and the choices they make in life. I have listened to him at club functions and he has a lot of good things to say.
This place needs to be returned to some religious order to maintain good standing and restore the faith from the local bishop. It would be the best thing that has happened to this entire area in over 60 years. This town is slowly wearing down. No new businesses. They are moving out. It won't be long before the grocery is gone too. This could help save these businesses and contribute to a sustainable economy for a long time to come. If not, all that will be left will be gas stations.
I do not doubt for a minute what the Virgin Mary may have done here. It has always been a very special place to me and my family. I hope something really good comes out of this.
At breakfast this morningthey were all talking about the sale and who will buy it. I heard a group from the lake want it as do some other folks who tried to buy it back in 2000.
Thanks for giving us something to talk about.
THIS WAS ON THE CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY WIRE:
Pope Benedict calls Christians to imitate Virgin Mary, be guided by God’s signs
Vatican City, May 2, 2007 / 12:26 pm (CNA).- As the month traditionally set aside for devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary begins, the Vatican has announced that Pope Benedict XVI’s general prayer intention for the month of May will center on imitation of the woman whom the Church considers the “first Christian.”
The Holy Father’s general intention is that, “following the example of the Virgin Mary, all Christians should allow themselves to be guided by the Word of God and always remain attentive to the signs of the Lord in their own lives."
Similarly, the Pope’s mission intention for May is that “in mission territories there may be no lack of good and enlightened teachers in the major seminaries and in the institutes of consecrated life."
I believe this is EXACTLY what is going on in Rome City. Welcome to the Month of Mary everybody!!
I BELIEVE THIS WILL BE THE CASE IN ROME CITY TOO! I HAVE PERSONALLY BEEN HEALED OF MY CRIPPLING ARTHRITIS AFTER TAKING THE WATERS AT THIS PLACE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY MEDICATIONS FOR OVER 1 YEAR NOW AND MY DOCTOR HAS NO EXPLANATION FOR IT. MY HANDS ARE NO LONGER SWOLLEN AND I CAN SEW AND DO ANYTHING I NEED TO DO AGAIN. I TOOK THIS ARTICLE OFF THE INTERNET. IT EXPLAINS WHAT HAPPENS AT LOURDES. I THINK THIS IS WHAT SYLVAN SPRINGS WILL/SHOULD BE.
Experiencing the miracle of Lourdes
By June Smith
SENTINEL CORRESPONDENT
Each year, more than 6 million people travel from 170 different countries to visit Lourdes, a tiny French village at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains. Lourdes is the place where 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous saw visions of Mary the Immaculate, the mother of Christ. Soubirous' story is told in the movie "The Song of Bernadette"
Last May, I joined a group of 250 people traveling with the Order of Malta's 30th annual Western Association Pilgrimage to Lourdes. The Order of Malta, founded in 1099 A.D., is a lay religious order of the Roman Catholic Church headquartered in Rome; the Western Association is based in San Francisco. Their motto is to uphold the faith and to serve the poor and the sick. My sister, Susan, a Dame of Malta, and her husband, Tim, a Knight, facilitated my opportunity to go along as a volunteer.
In addition to members of the order, clergy and volunteers, the group included the Malades, sick or disabled people who are hosted by the order each year. Their comfort is the focus of the pilgrimage. Each Malade is wheeled in a cart to all daily events by Knights and Dames. They are the first to receive the spiritual benefits that Lourdes has to offer, whether it is a visit to the baths, the grotto or the basilica. The basilica is the magnificent church that Mary requested be built in her visitation with Soubirous.
As a volunteer, I was required to wear the uniform of the order: a veil, a white dress and a red sweater. A typical day began with breakfast at the hotel, then assembling in the garage area to assist the Malades into carts to be transported to the Domaine, where all activities are held. Lunch was served back at the hotel, then after a rest period, the same exercise was conducted for afternoon activities, followed by dinner back at the hotel. One evening our group joined an impressive candlelight procession with thousands of pilgrims like ourselves.
In my free time, I made personal visits to the grotto and the baths. While waiting in line to enter the grotto, I was ushered out of the line and placed ahead because I was wearing the uniform of the order.
The baths are operated by a group of gentle, dedicated men and women who ensure a deeply spiritual experience. I waited on cold, hard benches for an hour, listening to hushed conversations of people from all over the world. [The wait on weekends can be three hours.] When my turn came, I was asked what language I spoke, and then directed to a dressing room where an English-speaking woman assisted in removing my clothes while covering me with a sheet. She led me to a private bath chamber where two women helped me enter a marble tub, containing about 2 feet of very cold spring water.
Once in the water, I prayed, walked to the end of the tub and kissed a statue of Our Lady. I asked to be completely immersed, so after I sat down, the women tipped me back and all the way in. The Lady [Mary] only instructed Bernadette to wash in the water, but I wasn't going to travel all the way to Lourdes without having the full experience.
No one hates cold water more than I do, but I can only remember that the water seemed exhilarating. A small miracle! I walked out from what had been a cold, dreary day into a beautiful sunny day, matching my spirits perfectly.
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Local residents Mike and Gail Shumate have visited Lourdes many times. On one occasion, Gail visited a priest who was known to have a gift of wisdom. "People waited for hours to go to him for confession" she said. "He spoke with me for 20 minutes, giving me insight into who I was and how to deal with my weaknesses. It was an awesome experience"
When Lisa Cecchettini visited Lourdes, she found the town overly commercial, but visited the baths and brought home water from the spring to all her relatives. "God works in his own time," she said. "Recently I prayed that He would send my dying friend to a spiritual place for his final days. I later heard that he was sent to the Lourdes Hospital in Kentucky. I never question God"
Gary and Julie West, who have a vacation home in Pajaro Dunes, often travel to Lourdes with the Order of Malta. "We find the experience spiritually healing and are energized by how each of the Malades has trust in God, accepting their illnesses," said Deacon West.
Are there miracles? Since the apparitions in 1858, thousands of cases have been examined. Sixty-seven miracles have been certified by medical experts and authenticated by the church. Because of organizations like the Order of Malta, sick and disabled people are able to travel to Lourdes for spiritual healing and to find courage to bear their suffering.
I agree with Gloria. I have always said this was Holy Ground and I always make the sign of the cross and thank God every time I travel past this beautiful property.
I live nearby on a neighboring lake. I had suffered with a very painful condition most of my life after my last child was born. The doctors could never do anything for me except test me for this and that and put me on a series of medications that never made any difference.
Finally, I heard about the healings that had been reported from the springs at Sylvan. I stopped by one day and got some of the water and washed myself in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall. I begged Jesus to take the pain away and later that day I began to feel a burning sensation all through my body like a tingly hot flash. It lasted for several minutes and I wasn't so sure I wasn't having a bad reaction to something I ate. I never presumed the water could have been a factor. The tingling stopped and I noticed all of my pains were gone. I have not had them again and I thank Jesus every day for his healing me of this burden.
I believe in what is happening at Sylvan. There is nothing sinister or devilish at work there. It is full of good things and I am praying that this family finds the right answer so that everyone like me will still have access to it. I tell all of my friends that they should go get some water and try it for their ills. I especially tell them to pray with all their heart for jesus to help them.
For the record, I am a non-Catholic and I am just learning about the messages from the Virgin Mary through this website which I learned of from the For Sale sign on the hiway.
Please hang in there Larry and do what you can to keep Sylvan open for us all.
Yes, millions of faithful have been richly blessed by that sacred site at Lourdes, France. It is a place that, over time, has become more highly regarded as holy ground and a place of miracles. Fully approved by the Church, Lourdes is one of the most popular pilgimmages for all of God's people, but especially for Catholics. The grace of our Lord flows abundantly through that place where His Blessed Mother appeared.
Genuine appartion sites, such as Lourdes and Fatima, tend to grow and flourish with the passage of time. They are like spiritual vineyards that are watered from above by the grace of God, and so, the faithful flock there in increasing numbers to partake of its miraculous spiritual AND physical fruits which cannot be found anywhere else.
Do not hesitate, good people, to visit our Blessed Mother Mary in that Divinely sanctified place -- LOURDES. The blessings you will receive from having made the pilgrimmage will enrich your soul immensely, and often, your physical body will receive special blessing also by being healed of physical maladies that may be afflicting it.
However, as great as the miraculous healings of physical diseases may be, the greatest miracles are the spiritual healings and regeneration that are bestowed on the faithful who visit our Blessed Mother at Lourdes...for...the healing of our immortal soul is a much greater blessing than healing the temporal body which perishes.
The Queen of Heaven waits for us there at Lourdes. Listen with your heart. Can you hear her calling? Go to her good people!
God bless you all and fill your hearts with His grace.
Hey anonymous...It must be nice to have money, however, I'll take you up on that trip to Lourdes. I'd like to take my wife and kids too.
How about floating me the $10,000 for the cost of the trip? God will pay you back after I get back.
No?
Well then, I guess I'll just have to fork over the $100 bucks for a tank of gas and a dozen Krispy Kremes and we'll just make the drive to Rome City from Chicago like we'd been planning for Mother's Day.
I don't care if it is approved or not...or what any local Bishop says at this time. I witnessed my neighbor get cured of a near fatal intestinal problem this past Christmas after her mother got her a couple of gallons of water from this place and prayed to Our Lady of America for a cure. Now she is back at home with her kids and doing fine. That's all the "approval" I need.
"Shake the dust from your sandals and move on".