A Deo et Rege

Yes, once again I made the trek to Carey, Ohio to visit what has become one of my all time favorite places. I would go weekly, probably even daily, if I lived closer. If gas prices weren’t so high, I’d probably go at least monthly. Sometimes we find places where we just feel we connect with God in incredible ways. For me, that place is the National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio.

As is typical, I started my 2.5 hour drive with a cup of Speedway coffee. The drive was long, but quite nice. The day was absolutely perfect: crisp with autumn colors and a blue sky. I couldn’t have asked for anything better! I arrived at the shrine around 11:15am and waited for the noon mass by doing a few prayers. I was excited about having mass in a place that actually looked like a church (for all aspiring church architects: give up the pomo nonsense and visit the basilica in Carey). Naturally the mass didn’t disappoint. The music was beautiful and the priest was full of energy and enthusiasm.

After mass, I got my camera and walked around the basilica, snapping photos and praying. The statues are beautiful and the pilgrim’s guide takes a person spiritually through the entire building. The shrine also has a great smell to it. Imagine hundreds of candles in one place and you can get the drift. I love it. After going around the church, I walked outside to the local shrine park on the edge of town. It’s filled with statues and also the stations of the Cross. However, the main attraction is a 75 foot tall altar with a golden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the top. I spent a lot of time in the park enjoying the lovely day.

Then, I returned to the basilica for devotions. This was the best part of my day. We started with a hymn to Mary and then we were enrolled in the Confraternity of Our Lady of Consolation (David answers the question "what is a confraternity?"). Then, they removed the statue from the glass and took it outside for a rosary procession. That was a wonderful experience that I honestly felt lucky to be involved in. When we returned to the shrine, one of the priests preached a sermon and we had Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. What a wonderful devotion! Finally, they brought out their relics of the True Cross and blessed each of us with a piece of it while praying for our needs. Wow! I am still amazed by the whole experience.

Since I had work the next day, I had to leave Carey after devotions. I once again stopped at Speedway and got some pumpkin spice cappuccino! Mmmmm! More importantly, I felt spiritually recharged and refreshed and more aware of God’s presence and Our Lady’s prayers. I will definitely be returning to Carey, hopefully sooner than later.

Photos on left of an angel and Our Lady of Consolation
Photos on right of Christ in the tomb and outdoor Mary altar (called Queen of Heaven by me for obvious reasons)
All photos by Jonathan Bennett