Letter From Bishop Noll to Precious Blood Sisters Celebrating 50th Jubilee of Kneipp Springs

As has been clearly demonstrated in an earlier series of postings pertaining to the connection between the Rome City, IN Our Lady of America apparition site and this country's consecration to The Immaculate Conception ("The Immaculate Connection" January 10-12), Archbishop John Noll, who is credited with the saving of and the completion of the National Basilica to The Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., also had his hand in the original purchase of the property along with the construction of and the design of the business model that went with the healing center and convent where Our Blessed Mother chose to first appear as Our Lady of America.


Text as follows:

Sister Pancratia
Kneipp Springs
Rome City, Indiana

Dear Sister:

Since I cannot be with you and your fellow Religious and with Father Greb in person, I am writing to extend to all of the Sisters of the Precious Blood all of my heartiest congratulations on the Golden Jubilee of Kneipp Sanitarium.

I was present when Dr. Geiermann purchased the property on which the Kneipp Springs buildings are now situated, and was there also when he sold, to the Sisters, the original property which he had purchased.

My visits to the Sanitarium, once a week on weekdays and every Sunday during the summer until the chapel at the Sanitarium was built, have always been fond memories. I saw the doctor pioneer, the Sisters pioneer, and saw the Kneipp water Treatment win its way into the favor of a large portion of America.

Evidently I am happy today to see the institution, under a new name, thriving and accomplishing much good both for the physical and spiritual benefit of those who patronize it.

I am certain that the Catholic cottagers of Rome City are very grateful to the Sisters for having provided them with the opportunity of attending one of several Masses every Sunday.

With a blessing on the institution and on the Sisters who operate it, I am,

Yours Sincerely in Christ,

John F. Noll
Bishop of Fort Wayne

July 13, 1951

As one can see in his letter, he remained a frequent visitor and ardent supporter of this magnificent Catholic institution throughout his life.

It was here that Our Lady of America made the request that Her image be placed, after a solemn procession, in a place of honor in the yet-to-be-completed National Shrine. This request was made no less than 74 days after the passing of Archbishop Noll and 3 years before the Shrine's construction was actually completed. Will this be the year Our Lady's request is finally carried out by the American Bishops?