Your Letters

This letter came in today from an ex-WAY member who resided here in the 80's. If you listen, you will witness a woman in the midst of a spiritual conversion.

Hello,

I have been reading through your OLTIV site with much interest. I once lived on the Rome City grounds when I was involved with a group (The Way International) that I left many years ago, and now believe was very wrong-headed about God, Faith, etc.

It concerns me that you mention a recent need to start moderating your comments section and I am sincerely hoping no former members of this group (TWI) are the ones at fault. I have met some of them who are quite bitter and destructive these days!

While I am not currently practicing any particular faith, and have never been a Catholic, I have always felt that the Kneipp Springs grounds were a deeply spiritual place. You could feel it when you walked the path around the hill. You could feel it when you sat in the chapel (even stripped as it was then of nearly all of its ornamentation). I think it is a good thing that you are doing, trying to reserve the place as holy ground.

I am wondering if I might still be able to visit the grounds some time? Take your Friday night tour? May I sit through your service (or is that only for practicing Catholics? -- pardon my ignorance of your faith) I am currently trying to re-assess my own spiritual path, and I can't help but think a visit to this wonderful place would help me in this process.

Thank you for your response.

She was called immediately to let her know, in no uncertain terms, that she, and anyone else of open heart, is always welcome.

By her own testimony, and that of many other ex-Way, she was feeling the true presence of Our Lord and Our Lady when they were sitting in that chapel or walking about the grounds. It's just that under their directors' "spiritual direction", none of this was even allowed to be discussed. It wasn't part of The Way. Even though they did not accept Her Son for who He truly was (The Son of God), She was always there.

The Way members knew nothing of the true spiritual history of the facility. They knew nothing of Our Lady of America and the special blessings brought by Our Lady's presence. They knew nothing about any of it.. But they always FELT something.

That something was always Our Lady's loving presence.

"Bring me my children. Bring me ALL of my children".

We talked a bit about her past experiences as a member of The WAY and her current relationship with organized religion. I encouraged her to continue reading and to become involved in discussions locally to help her in her quest.

If she ever makes it back to Rome City, she'll find what she left there 20 years ago. And more!