Our Lady of America Displayed at John Paul II Center

May 24, 2008 - Washington D.C.: Dr. Hugh M. Dempsey, D. Ed., K.M.Ob. Deputy Director and the staff at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center welcomed the Our Lady of America statue that was first displayed in 2006 at the U.S. Bishop's Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. The statue was delivered by a BVM Foundation Inc. volunteer and assitant who drove her to Washington D.C. after being cleaned and touched-up in Batesville, IN by the same company that made the first wood carving of Our Lady of America in the 1960's.
This Statue will remain at the center for some time pending action by the United States Catholic Bishops on the request of Our Lady for a solem procession and permanent placement in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, not far from the John Paul II Cultural Center at Washington D.C.

The United States Catholic Bishops await the outcome of a process of discernment undertaken by His Excellency, Leonard P. Blar of Toledo-in-America, the Diocese where Sr. Mary Ephrem (Mildred Neuzil) lived out her last days on this earth. Our Lady of America appeared to Sr. Mary Ephrem on September 26, 1956 in the Our Lady Mother of Mercy Chapel at what is now Sylvan Springs in Rome City, IN (not far from Toledo, Ohio).
The Pope John Paul II Cultural Center welcomes pilgrimage groups to visit the center and venerate this statue of Our Lady of America. The Statue rests on the very location where His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI sat on his throne and greeted the faithful during his recent visit.

Dr. Dempsey and the staff commented about the majestic beauty of this statue and warmly welcomed her into the center. Our Lady of America graces the rotunda entrance of the center, welcoming Her children who visit this venue which honors Her favored son, Pope Paul II.

We now expect many groups of pilgrims to travel for a visit at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center where they can view the statue and honor Our Lady of America.

As always, Pilgrims are also welcome to visit the actual site of the apparitions and the attending messages in Rome City, Indiana. Tours are available every Friday at 4 pm before the Friday Night Rosary or by calling 260-854-3525 to schedule an alternate time during the week.

When and if Bishop Leonard Blair initiates a proposal with the United States Catholic Bishops for the solemn procession and permanent installation in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, we expect the request of Our Lady to be satisfied quickly.

Our Lady of America, pray for us.