Reports of Favors and Graces

Because we are continually hearing stories of people who visit Sylvan Springs at Rome City, Indiana and have their prayers answered, we are interested in keeping records of all favors and graces granted to those who come to Sylvan Springs. Please send us details of healings and miraculous favors that directly result from a visit to the Springs at Rome City, or to requests made of Our Lady of America.

Our Lady of America
P O Box 1322
Elkhart, IN 46515

Photos Taken Before October 15 Rosary

Photos From Friday Night Rosary

This photo was taken shortly after the Friday Night Rosary just outside the doors to the Our Lady Mother of mercy Chapel where Our Lady of America first appeared to Sr. Mildred Neuzil in 1956.

The sun was spinning and shining through the west window when this image was captured. Notice the familiar shape in the large red orb?

Photos From Recent Friday Night Rosaries

The following photo sets were sent to us by Jim and Diana Fenker who lead the regular Friday Night Rosary at Sylvan Springs. It has become very common for images like this to appear in front of the chapels whenever people gather to pray the rosary as Our Lady requested. In most instances, the sun will be spinning quite vividly for all to see.

The first two photos were taken after the rosary on July 9. In them you can see the small ball of light that came from the sun turn into the more magnificent form we have come to recognize as that of Our Lady making Her presence known amongst those who faithfully come every Friday evening at 6:30 to pray.






In the next three photos, taken on July 16, you can see the form move about for a few moments before retreating back to the sun from which it came.
Notice how Her appearances even change angles to face the group before making an exit.

July 14 Day of Miracles

Tomorrow is July 14. Every July 14 since 2001, something of a miraculous nature has taken place at Sylvan Springs for one or more visitors on that day. The first such event is described in the following article. If you are in need, we hope you are able to visit tomorrow to seek whatever it is.

This item was originally published on SpiritDaily.com. It was written by the nephew of Archbishop Paul Leibold as he told of his experience on July 14, 2001 on his first visit to Rome City, IN.
Archbishop Leibold had been the long-time spiritual director of Sr. Neuzil and had issued the Imprimaturs to her texts and commissioned a medal, plaque and statue in the image of Our Lady of America. The following is presented here for your discernment.

ARCHBISHOP'S NEPHEW RELATES STRIKING OCCURRENCE AT AMERICAN APPARITION SITE
A nephew of Archbishop Paul F. Leibold has informed us of an extraordinary visit to the site where Sister Mildred Mary Ephrem Neuzil, the American seer, had her first apparitions.

The nephew, whose name is also Paul Leibold, and who was especially close to the now-deceased archbishop, says that during a spur-of-the moment visit on July 14 to a spot called Sylvan Springs near Rome City, Indiana, he and a small group experienced the "miracle of the sun" and that he spotted a beautifully strange blue butterfly that brings to mind phenomena reported at another apparition site in Venezuela called Betania (which he had not heard about previous to the experience).

According to Paul (who we will call by his first name to differentiate him from the archbishop), he made the trip after reading articles about the situation on this internet site and was surprised by what he found. He and 11 others piled into a recreational vehicle and headed five hours up the highway that recent Saturday.

There they found the current owner of the land, Larry Young.

"We took off to the mound where the third apparition was," says Paul, who now owns a pharmacy in the Cincinnati area.





"We said we were going to pray a family rosary, and there was another couple that had arrived just after we did, Angel and his wife Maria and their son Angel Junior.


We were getting ready to start the rosary and Larry looked at the sun and we began to see the miracle of the sun. When I was at Medjugorje we did not see the miracle of the sun. Someone with me had, and he said it was absolutely identical to what he saw on that mound.


"The next 15 to 20 minutes we sat or stood in prayer, some were kneeling and some were singing. Maria began praying over my son, who has epilepsy. I was as touched as I ever have been in prayer. As another man, Tom breaks into the song Ave Maria, a little blue butterfly lands on an altar and it was just, oh!- There was no doubt the Blessed Mother was with us, blessing us. It was solid pale blue, and absolutely beautiful.

It was a wonderful experience. It just stopped my heart. I was the only one to see it. The others were watching the sun. It just hovered over the altar area. Apparently this altar once had a gold cross and two angels facing it. There had been these black and orange butterflies in the area with no logical reason for them to be there. It's not a flowered area. It's on a mound with mulch on the ground and trees up around it and benches. These little butterflies became more and more prominent as we began talking and sharing, and then Tom broke into Ave Maria. When we got back to the parking lot Angel had some holy cards and it was the Blessed Sacrament and a gold cross with an angel on either side. There was confirmation after confirmation."

Paul had been to Medjugorje, where his experience in prayer on Apparition Hill had been so profound he never thought he would feel that way again -- knowing God was so present. "Well when I went to Rome City I had that same feeling," said Paul, "and I had had no expectations."


It was on September 25, 1956, that Sister Mildred was making a holy hour from 7 to 8 p.m. when she felt the distinct presence of Our Lady at the Indiana site. "I was under the impression that she came as Our Lady of Lourdes, and she herself confirmed this," the nun, who died last year, once wrote -- adding that the Virgin promised greater miracles in the United States.

During a vision the next morning the Virgin came in a veil, robe, and mantle of pure white as "Our Lady of America," requesting Americans to honor her by the purity of their lives.



Now the owner of the land reports that people are making inquiries about the land and pilgrims are arriving on weekends at this spot that was once owned by the Order of the Precious Blood (at the time the order to which Sister Neuzil belonged).

Ferdinand and Barbara Roccanti To Speak at July 10 Day of Prayer and Healing

Ferdinand and Barbara Roccanti have confirmed their plans to speak at the upcoming Day of Prayer and Healing scheduled for Saturday, July 10 at Sylvan Springs in Rome City, IN. Come early to hear this great couple tell their stories of faith and love for Our Lord. Their talk will begin at 11:30 am.

Day of Prayer and Healing Has Remarkable Turnout!

Saturday's Day of Prayer and Healing was a truly wonderful day for those who attended from all around the Midwest. The message of the day was concentrated on the true meaning of Father's Day as it relates to Our Lady of America and Her call to purity. Father Dave gave a wonderful homily (as always) and made the day complete by praying over all those looking for strength and healing. It was powerful!!

A full two thirds of those who came were there for the first time and have promised to bring more friends and family back with them next time.

Plans are already being made for the next Day of Prayer and Healing on Saturday, July 10. Tours will begin at 11 am.

The sun was spinning vigorously as we left after a full day of community-building. It was an awesome sight for everybody. We will be posting photos as they arrive from those who attended, so please email your photos to us at info@oltiv.org so we can share them on this blog.

Saturday, June 19 Family Day of Prayer and Healing will Focus on Father's Day and St. Joseph

Please join us on Saturday, June 19th for a Family Day of Prayer and Healing. This day will be about fatherhood as there will be a special emphasis on St. Joseph and his role in the Our Lady of America devotion as the role model for all fathers. We wish to encourage all the fathers to make a special effort to attend.

Doors will open at 11:00 am and Guest speakers will begin at 12:00 Noon followed by recitation of the rosary and a healing service.


This photo was taken shortly after the conclusion of our last Family Day of Prayer and Healing after everyone had been prayed over. Pay special attention to the position and prominence of the large orb directly behind the altar area.

The Miraculous Healing of Jordan Marie

The following story was put together by Pam from Missouri for all our readers. What a great testament!!



Little Jordan Marie who turned two on March 24, 2010, was a normal active baby with two older brothers until a few short months ago.
On February 2, 2010, she began vomiting and had difficulty walking . She also displayed other symptoms of a stroke eventually regressing to the developmental stage of a 12 month old. She was hospitalized at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City that same day where the doctors ran tests only to find a massive and very rare form of brain tumor...The type of tumor she was diagnosed with was an endymoma, a malignant, rare and very aggressive type of cancer. Although a very small amount of children have had them removed surgically, this was not an option for Jordan Marie, as it had intertwined itself around the nerves as well.

It was decided her best hope for a good outcome would be a regimen of chemotherapy. In the course of testing, they would also find another complication from the tumor- a blood clot.
From Feb. 2, 2010, she remained in the hospital until 4/23/10….just one day prior to her 2nd birthday. Throughout the course of that time she was only able to receive one dose of chemo because of many other serious complications, including, high blood pressure, an elevated heart rate, severe nausea and vomiting, intractable pain, multiple infections, inability to take food by mouth and intestinal problems leading to the insertion of a feeding tube on the day of her admission.

At one point in ICU, she was not responding normally and was unable to focus with her eyes. The doctors fear that she may have lost her vision was ultimately proved wrong, but she did have extreme swelling of the ventricles in her brain necessitating one of many surgical procedures.

This poor little one has suffered immensely but through it all she has been a fighter. Her family who started a facebook page entitled Prayers For Baby Jordan, has kept a constant vigil during her frequent trips to the hospital. Their love of God as well as their strong faith has been an anchor in an otherwise turbulent ocean of tribulations and emotions.



Little Jordan feeding her mommy birthday cake on her second birthday (despite the suffering she endured, she smiled so frequently). The family was elated that she was able to come home for the first time since 2/2/2010 on 4/23/10 …. the day before her birthday).

Up until 5/17, she had been so sick with chemo and its side effects (low white blood cell count and resulting infection, nausea and vomiting and hair loss). Add to that her excruciating pain (often unrelieved even with Morphine). Recently, her grandmother offered a prayer during a particularly trying few days that if it be His will the good Lord take this cross away from little Jordan and offered herself in Jordan’s stead.


Last month on Saturday May 8th, while she had a reprieve from the hospital and chemo, she choked while eating a French fry (by then a few finger foods were allowed) and Mom had to call 911 as Nana rushed to her side. The EMT’s found that the feeding tube had come up and was coiled in the back of her throat. After stabilizing her at the hospital they left her without the tube until Monday morning. One more assist by her guardian angels.

After that scare on a Saturday afternoon, her grandmother Donna relayed the story to the parishioners before 5 o’clock Mass (Donna is our cantor at that particular Mass –although we have had to do without her a lot recently due to the demands of this horrible cancer.)

While I was listening to this frightening turn of events, I realized that I had some water (which our priest had blessed) from the apparition site in Rome City. I immediately felt urged to give it to Donna, so after Mass on Saturday evening 5/8/2010, I spoke with Donna and gave her the water for baby Jordan along with a link to oltiv.org as well as my reassurance that my family would keep little Jordan in our prayers.

Since that time, we have been out of town and unable to attend church in our parish. I need to add that Donna and most other parishioners are aware of Our Lady of America and Her intercession for me (and resultant healing in 2007). My mobility and affect,and ability to focus and interact normally in conversation has returned since my pilgrimage in 2007).

Though I tried to follow Jordan’s ordeal on a facebook page specifically for her, I had been busy with other matters though and hadn’t checked her status for several days.

Then,on Monday 5/17, after a horrendous weekend in the hospital, the doctors ordered an MRI to see how Jordan was responding to the prescribed treatment. Our pastor had visited her in the hospital that day and gave her the Anointing of the Sick before she went for the scan. Right after Father’s anointing and visit with Jordan and the family, but BEFORE her MRI, Donna remembered the Springs water and got it out for the first time and blessed little Jordan with it.

Not long after, the nurse took Jordan for the MRI. Jordan did a complete turn around in her behavior and activity. No longer in pain or with other vicious effects, she played smiled and lifted everyone’s spirits as only little ones can do. She also had a very comfortable and restful night of sleep.

It edified her grandmother’s spirits so much that she wrote she had an overwhelming sense of peace. She also told me that Jordan who had had a horrible night the night before the MRI, seemed so much better right before the MRI (and after Father’s anointing and the blessing with the Springs water). Even Father remarked how Jordan seemed better after (the Anointing and blessing). The nurses happily reported that Jordan needed no sedation during the MRI (very unusual) and was very relaxed and comfortable.

All these things edified her grandmother’s spirits so much that the following morning she wrote that she had an overwhelming sense of peace. Here are the actual entries by her Nana on the facebook page Prayers for Baby Jordan just hours before the miracle (and afterward). By that point she had over 2500 prayer warriors!!!:

5/15/10
I went up to the hospital this morning to see Jordan and bring Misty some hot breakfast. Jordan is not feeling good at all. She is back to vomiting and in pain. Her white blood cell count is elevated and she now has an infection in her urinary tract. I held her for a little while and rocked her in the chair. I got out the bubble water again but she wasn't into it today. I think this will probably keep her from coming home. Heavenly Father, there are so many prayers going for one little angel. Please hear our prayers and give Jordan some relief from this pain and infections. Lord, God you are the saviour of the world and I thankful everyday that my mother instilled you into my life at a very early age of life because then I could pass it on to my family. Thank you for loving me and being patient with me always....! I love you Jordan!

Late that evening she wrote:

Just talked to Misty again to check on Jordan tonight before I turn in for the night. She said, that Our little angel is feeling miserable.. My heart just aches knowing that she has to go through all of this. Please God I would take on all of this just to spare her or any other sweet child... God bless you baby girl. Nana will be with you tomorrow. Here's praying for a good brain scan. Good night all of you 2372 army angels. Thanks to all the new angels that have just joined in... We so very much appreciate you.

5/16/10 the day of the MRI her Nana wrote:

Not a good night for Jordan. Nothing but vomiting and pain. They gave her pain medicine and everything that she has to have and it wasn't until the wee hours this morning that she was able to go to sleep for a short hour and a half. Misty (Jordan’s mother), hang tough and know that I will be there to relieve you this afternoon. Jordan, sweet angel may God has given you the strength to go through this. You have proven this just by what you have been through. I ask the Lord to continue to watch over and have mercy on you... I love you baby girl...

That afternoon :

They took Jordan down at 2 to sedate her and put the breathing tube in so that she will be ready for the MRI at 3. It will take about 2 plus hours after that. I will keep you updated.

That evening:

Jordan got out of the brain scan at 5:45 pm. She did very well in fact they said, that they didn't even have to put the breathing tube in which a real blessing in itself. She kept her stats up the whole time. We do not know anything as of yet but should know first thing in the morning. Jordan is in such a good mood. I had her playing in warm bubble water and listening to music. She is now sitting on my lap watching Dancing with the stars. (It is) one of her favorite shows. The transformation from this morning til now is amazing. The good Lord knows I can't stand seeing her hurt or crying. Thank you God! I just told Jordan to blow you a kiss and she sent you all out the cutest kiss and hug. Thank you for being with us today in our time of being unsteady on our feet. We love you!!!

5/17/10 at 10:53:



I WISH THAT I COULD GET ON THE PHONE AND TALK TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU WITH WHAT I HAVE TO SAY. LAST NIGHT THE GOOD LORD SENT A REAL SENSE OF PEACE OVER ME. AS I HELD JORDAN I THOUGHT TO MYSELF, I CAN HANDLE WHAT EVER NEWS COMES OUR WAY. I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT HE IS IN CONTROL AND KNOWS WHATS BEST.. I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN THAT IT'S JUST SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO BE REMINDED AND HE LET ME KNOW THAT LAST NIGHT. WHEN THE ONCOLOGIST CAME IN THIS MORNING I WAS READY FOR HIM WHAT EVER HE HAD TO SAY..... HE SAID, THAT HE DOESN'T GET TO GIVE THIS TYPE OF NEWS VERY OFTEN WITH THIS TYPE OF RARE CANCER THAT SHE HAS AND WHERE IT IS LOCATED BUT,
THE TUMOR IS GONE! YES, I SAID GONE! PRAISE GOD!!!!
THE DOCTOR'S, NURSES AND ALL OF US WERE CRYING AND PRAISING GOD... OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SENT THE MERCY AND GRACE THAT WE SO MUCH NEEDED FOR JORDAN. A TRUE MIRACLE HAS HAPPENED. I CAN'T THANK ALL OF YOU ENOUGH FOR BEING WITH US ALWAYS THROUGH THIS JOURNEY. SHE HAS A VERY LONG ROAD TO GO BUT WITH ALL OF YOU IN HER CORNER AND OUR ALMIGHTY GOD WE WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS.
THE BLOOD CLOT IS GONE AND THE TUMOR IS GONE! I KEEP SAYING IT OVER AND OVER IN CELEBRATION.. PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS AND MIRACLES FLOW. I LOVE ALL OF YOU AND WISH THAT I COULD HUG YOU PERSONALLY. PLEASE STAY WITH US ON JORDAN'S CONTINUED JORNEY YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN HER LIFE AND IN MINE. SHE WILL ALWAYS NEED YOUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS AND KEEPING HER NANA UP AND GOING WHEN I NEED A GOOD SWIFT KICK OR A TALK. I WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED DAILY ON HER PROGRESS... OMG!!!!
At 11:14 an:
WE ARE ON OUR WAY HOME NOW FROM THE HOSPITAL. I WILL UPDATE LATER. OMG!!!

5/18/10

The emails, the phone calls and facebook messages have been piling in like "WOW". Truly amazing strength behind it all.. It has been a joyous day and celebration for life for us all. Jordan finally was worn out this evening and unfortunately in pain from the infection that she still has with her intestines but she has ...a few more days on antibiotics. It is something that she might have to deal with for some time. Her daddy (Jason) called to talked to her and tell her he was so happy about the tumor being gone and she took her finger and pointed to where the tumor had been. She knows what God has done. I know that last night when He talked to me He also whispered to Jordan while she was sleeping. I just know that she knows.... She has such a glow about her.. Good night all!

5/30:
It's amazing how many people at the hospital have noticed such a glow about Jordan. And it is so true. She radiates from the love of God. You know I think back to the very beginning when she first got sick and all that she went through she never lost her smile. Even then she knew she was protected by the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I love you angel....


Jordan Marie with her mother, father, and two brothers during her hospital stay.


Please help us to save this holy site in Rome City, IN. Your tax deductible donation will make a difference. Please use the Donation link on the right side of this page to donate by credit card or to get our address for sending a check. It is only through help from people like you that we are able to continue our work to spread the word about Our Lady of America and Her call to purity.

"Bring Me My Children. Bring Me ALL of My Children."

Report of Healing after Visiting Sylvan Springs

This letter was originally posted in February of 2008. The woman who wrote this account is still doing well and has become an ardent supporter of the Our Lady of America devotion in her own community and on the internet.

If you have an account of spiritual conversion or physical healing to share, please feel free to email us at info@oltiv.org. May God Bless everyone and may Our Lady of America intercede for you.




Larry,

Hope all is well with you, Lynn and your family. Was going to post this on the blog, but wanted to remain anonymous. However, as long as you don't use my name, feel free to use my account.

I felt compelled to tell you about my improvement (health wise). Please share this with Irv too, since I took part in the healing service he led on July 27th.

In the last two weeks, so many people - parishoners, friends, family, even my son's boss have all used the same phrase, "You look like a different person." I got to thinking that if you saw me you too would not recognize me. I tell them all the same thing, "It's because of Rome City (Our Lady of America).

My affect, posture and mobility have gradually and dramatically improved. When I visited the Springs in July, I was hunched over and often looked less than alert. My husband could tell, (better than I could), how alert I was by my eyes, which were often glassy in appearance. Because of this, my kids did not want to be seen with me when in public. And my son said I would say strange things that were off the subject. One friend pointed this out too telling me I had trouble keeping up with the conversation. At Mass, one of the few outings during the week, I would be hunched over with my head down. Now, though I still tire easily, and can't drive due to fatigue, my posture is much better. I sit up straight and am actively engaged in conversation most of the time.

The most dramatic improvement is my mobility! I had to use a walker, and a cane prior to the walker (which I used at my daughter's wedding in 2005). If I had to go any distance even the walker didn't suffice. And my arm strength wasn't good enough to "wheel" myself, so I used a motorized wheelchair. When I visited Rome City, I only brought the walker since you provided a golf cart that my husband drove when we toured the grounds and went to Holy Family Hill. Even with the golf cart, walking up Holy Family Hill was a real challenge. I still can't walk long distances , but the fact that I can walk without an assistive device is such a blessing. Now the motorized wheelchair and walker are gathering dust, and I "forgot" I had the cane until I saw it behind the desk in the corner last week!

Although I still have other health problems but my improved mobility is truly a blessing.

God Bless


"Bring Me My Children. Bring Me ALL of My Children!"

Family Day of Prayer and Healing Scheduled for Thursday, May 27

Another Family Day of Prayer and Healing has been scheduled for Thursday, May 27 at Sylvan Springs in Rome City, IN. Guest speakers and historical tours will begin at 11 am.

Come see the life-size replica display of The Shroud of Turin that is sponsored by The Father Solanus Casey Knights of Columbus and learn all about the science behind this magnificent piece of history.

Visitors are reminded to bring their own empty water jugs for spring water and don't forget to bring your cameras.

No admission fee. All are invited to attend. Donations are gladly accepted.

Our Lady the Immaculate Virgin
POB 996
Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Archbishop Raymond Burke Is Praying For Our Lady of America and Rome City, IN Apparition Site

Click on The Letter To Enlarge It

Day of Prayer and Healing Scheduled For Tuesday, May 11

Please come join us for a Day of Prayer and Healing at Sylvan Springs on Tuesday, May 11 beginning at 11:30 AM.


Along with a group rosary, there will be various speakers who will be on hand to give guided historical tours of the property along with personal testimonials as to how Our Lady of America and her call to purity have changed the lives of individuals and families who have been here before.


Don't miss this opportunity to come and learn more about this Canonically Approved devotion to Our Lady of America which began right here in the Our Lady Mother of Mercy Chapel in Rome City, IN.

Friday Night Rosary Begins Again This Friday at 6:30pm

The Fifteen Promises of Mary to those who Pray the Rosary...
1--Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.
2--I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to those who shall recite the Rosary.
3--The Rosary shall be powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies.
4--It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
5--The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish.
6--Whoever shall recite the rosary devoutly applying himself to the consideration of its sacred mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice; he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.
7--Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church.
8--Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in paradise.
9--I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.
10--The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in heaven.
11--You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.
**12--All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.
13--I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.
14--All who recite the Rosary are my son and brothers of my only son, Jesus Christ.
15--Devotion of my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.

Please feel free to join us each and every Friday at 6:30 to pray the rosary in the chapels at Sylvan Springs in Rome City, IN. We hope to see you there.

Good Friday Rosary and Spring Cleaning of Holy Family Hill

There will be a group of families meeting at Sylvan Springs about 11:30 am this Friday for a rosary and picnic on Holy Family Hill.



Afterwards, they will join together to pick up sticks and debris that may have accumulated over the winter so we can make Holy Family Hill as attractive as it is peaceful for our visitors. All are welcome to join. Please bring a rake and some work gloves.

The Italian Connection Supports Our Lady of America

Italian Connection2725 Taylor Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 432-9702
‎
If you are in the Fort Wayne area and you have a taste for REAL Italian served in an intimate shrine that pays tribute to Our Blessed Mother and The Family, you owe it to yourself to stop by for dinner. Get there early so you can walk around and see all of the icons of the Blessed Mother and the many family photos that adorn the walls. It's a very special place. Besides that, the food is FANTASTIC and affordable!






Call 260-432-9702 for RESERVATIONS!!
WARNING!!The place gets packed on weekends, but Wednesday and Thursday are easier to get in.








The following article is being reprinted with permission and the original article appeared in the March 2010 edition of Swiss City Monthly Magazine of Berne, Indiana.

The Italian Connection Restaurant: Intimate Dining in Fort Wayne

According to its Facebook® fan page, The Italian Connection Restaurant in Fort Wayne offers "authentic, homemade Italian cuisine with unforgettable ambiance." And, indeed, upon setting foot inside the tiny eatery, one is immediately struck by its very intimate atmosphere.

From the exterior, the small building located on Taylor Street looks more like a small ranch home than a gourmet restaurant. However, this business has been quite successful in its operation for more than 30 years, and, as one diner puts it, "Don’t be deceived by outward appearances!"

As if to prove that bigger isn’t necessarily better, The Italian Connection—which seats only 55—boasts more than 500 fans on its Facebook® page. And, unlike most restaurants, it has enjoyed a profitable first quarter—even with the recent winter snowfalls.

Alex Fiato, head chef and owner of The Italian Connection, doesn’t have to trace much of history to find his Italian roots. In fact, both his mother and father were just children when their families emigrated to the United States.

It’s obvious from the restaurant decor that Fiato has embraced his cultural heritage. Walls are covered with family photos, ranging in age and size, as well as religious images of important figures in the Roman Catholic church.

Fitting with both the nature of the establishment and its cultural displays, candles and soft lighting promote an otherworldly mood.

With the assistance of Sous Chef Jeremy Rice, Fiato creates homemade dishes that one customer calls "the best pasta I’ve ever had." Weekly specials might include a dish like their Seafood Ravioli, a "homemade spinach ravioli stuffed with cheese, salmon, crab...topped with shrimp and scallops."

Even the Connection’s gelato (an Italian variation on ice cream) is homemade, with flavors like maple and double chocolate. The gelato recipe has been used by Fiato’s family for generations. The restuarant staff points out, "[His ancestors] didn’t use ice cream makers, and neither does he!"

Menu entrees range from traditional spaghetti with marinara sauce, priced at $8 a plate, to the more exotic Veal Marsala—featuring medallions of veal sauteed in a Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms—still reasonably priced at $16. All entrees include a house salad and bread with garlic butter.

Fiato’s menu is time-proven, possibly because his cooking skills are a family heirloom.

Chef Fiato does not feel confined to his kitchen, and dinner guests often find conversation with the cook entertaining. And, on special occasions, Fiato even sings for his customers.

Although reservations are strongly recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings, walk-in diners are welcome. The Connection also offers carry-out, and a full menu is available on the restaurant’s Facebook® page (see the Notes tab).

The Italian Connection is happy to host groups and small parties. Fiato also provides catering services for off-site events.

Dinner reservations may be phoned in during business hours at (260)432-9702, or diners also have the option to email reservations to authenticitalian@gmail.com. However, email reservations must be received no later than 4 p.m. on the evening of the reservation.

Our Lady of America- Fruitful Suffering

Dr. Mark Miravalle continues his discussion on Our Lady of America.



OLO America - Fruitful Suffering - Dr. Miravalle: Mcast108

AirMaria.com | MySpace Video

Report of Healing from November 7th Day of Prayer

Randy Albright came to Rome City, IN on November 7, 2009 to perform his songs of Marian devotion for those who had assembled in the Our Lady Mother of Mercy Chapel for a Day of Prayer and Healing. It was a beautiful musical presentation that was very moving. Little did anyone in attendance know that Randy had also come seeking a healing for his own medical condition he was facing...the possibility of a diagnosis of prostate cancer from his doctors.

As Randy performed, a woman in attendance snapped some photos and decided to send them along for all to see. Notice the placement and prominence of the large blue orb.







Randy recently informed us that 2 weeks after this performance, his doctors gave him the news. He was given a clean bill of health.

Sylvan Springs and Our Lady of America in Rome City, IN

Thank you to producer/director Jeff Mahoney for putting this presentation together.







Jeff has promised to put more of the interviews from this special day on YouTube real soon. Please send these to your friends and anyone interested in Our Lady of America.

"Mary, Mary...Go See Mary Today"

The following letter and photos were sent to us by a woman named Jenny telling us of her family experience at the November 28 Day of Prayer and Healing:

My husband and I have 4 children with our youngest being diagnosed with Autism when he was 2 years old. Born a healthy, typical developing baby, Cooper began regressing between 18 & 24 months and lost all eye contact, functional play skills and the little language that he had. He began to journey into a world of his own as we began many therapies to try to help him. This communication disorder of my son’s has effected our entire family on so many different levels…..we decided to make the venture to Rome City for some much needed spiritual, mental, physical and emotional renewing. We were anticipating healing on all sorts of levels, and knew we would walk away with the strength we needed.

While at Rome City, we met an amazingly peaceful man named Irv who prayed over our son and reassured us that we were on the right spiritual path. He was kind enough to give us 3 Triple Novena Medals…one for me, one for my husband and one for my son. I have since then ordered the Triple Novena Prayer book and anticipate it arriving soon so I can begin praying along with our medals. We continue to have much hope that we will be given the wisdom by God to continue doing all that we can to foster growth in our child as well balancing life for our other 3 daughters. Once non-verbal and unable to respond to his name, our son is growing into a pleasant little personality and can express his wants and needs in 5-6 word sentences. We hope the progress continues to happen and that we receive renewed strength to give him the best quality of life possible. It was the best decision to start our Advent season with this positive experience.

We thank you for the opportunity to visit such a spiritual facility. My oldest daughter Madison was excited to take all of our photos into her religion class the very next day and spoke to her classmates about our experience there. In Thanksgiving for all blessings received that day, we will continue to spread the good word! We are forever grateful to have brought both of our parents along that day as well. Their support and guidance has been instrumental in raising a child with special needs. May they be blessed many times over for all they have done throughout the years to support our family and help us as we find our way through this journey called Autism. We look forward to future visits ~

Christmas Blessings ~

Scott, Jenny, Maddy, Kenzie, Josie & Cooper


After reading this great letter, Jenny writes again:

How I forgot the 2 best parts of the day I don’t know!!!

I hardly slept a wink the night before our trip because I knew that my son had never sat through a mass before and that the day would be opening with a mass being said….and that we had a 2 hour and 15 minute drive both ways ahead of us….he’s not one for long trips in a vehicle! Well, I was getting ready upstairs and my husband was getting Cooper dressed downstairs. When I finished, I came downstairs and my husband questioned, “Did you tell Cooper where we were going today?” and I said, “no, why?” and he said, well because he keeps saying, “Mary, Mary…go see Mary today……” It was at that moment that I knew the day would be a good one ….somehow my sweet boy knew where we were going without any of us even telling him!

And he sat through the entire mass…..with headphones on watching a video mind you – but that was a small miracle in itself! For him to sit for that long of a period – 1hour and 25 minutes before he had had enough – was amazing…..

Yes….our God works in mysterious ways!



Then today, we get this little follow-up to Cooper's visit:

Today while at a friends house playing Cooper looked up at me and said out of the blue, “Mary, Mary….” And I asked him what did you say, and he replied, “Mary,” and that was it. It is the first time he has mentioned anything of the day – but that is not unusual as his speech/language is VERY limited. We continue to pray with him every night and he repeats after me, “Jesus, Mary & Joseph pray for me,” and on his own says, “Jesus please heal me…” so Something is clicking!!!!


Here are some photos the girls took during the Prayer and Healing Service







Here are some photos heading to Holy Family Hill:



What a Great Day! Everybody in the family got something from their visit!!