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Top: For over 140 year pilgrims have traveled to Carey to pray and give thanks. Each lit candle represents an intention or prayer to Our Lady. Left: Former Our Lady of Consolation pastor, Bishop John Stowe OFM Conv. returned to Carey to celebrate the Assumption. Right: In the lower Basilica resides a collection of medical aides no longer needed, left in thanks for answered prayers.

Assumption at the Basilica & National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation

Over 140 years of Hope & Answered Prayers in Carey, OH

In the lower level of the Basilica and National Shrine of Carey, Ohio, it is quiet. Photographs, letters, and keepsakes represent, in physical form, over 140 years of heard prayers and answered miracles. Wooden crutches and other medical aids are stacked together. Ultrasounds, baby booties, military flags, and photos, are left in thanks for answered prayers.

The Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation is a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church and a shrine to the Virgin Mary, operated by our Conventual Franciscan Friars located in Carey, Ohio.

Miracles have come to this Roman Catholic basilica, Our Lady of Consolation, after seekers made pilgrimages there and prayed in front of a small statue of a queen-like Mary, presenting her son, Jesus. The figures, adorned in elaborate crowns and gowns, stand in a place of honor to the right of the altar in the upper level of the church.

While we continue to be safe during this time of COVID-19 and continue to do our part by asking people not to pilgrimage this year to reduce the risk and transmission, our friars continue to pray and look to Our Lady and her Son, Jesus, for hope during this time. Today we share some of the recent miracles our pilgrimages have shared with us:

I am the lady you blessed Tuesday on the side of my head. I last visited the Shrine 30 years ago. You told me I would notice a healing within one day. I did! I was to have surgery done Wednesday at 10:00am on my lower gums. The dentist was to remove some bone but when I went in he said there was no bone, no surgery! I was shocked because I was experiencing so much pain. My paralysis on my face did not get worse. Thank you for your prayers. They are being answered. I hope to see you in the Spring when I make a pilgrimage.

I was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. I took radiation treatments and 400 hours of chemo. The cancer came back. I took more chemo and radiation treatments, but cancer was still there. All of the doctors said there is nothing more we can do for you, not even an operation because only a few survive.
My sister said come to Ohio, to the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation. I went to the Shrine, I prayed and prayed, and I asked her to help me. Two years later I took the operation. I’m cancer free and doing fine. Praise the Lord and Our Lady of Consolation.

2021 Fall Newsletter - My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord
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“Remember when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received – only what you have given.”

-St. Francis of Assisi

Since the time of St. Francis and his first followers, our ministries, our ability to serve those in need, the education of new Friars, the care of our senior men all are possible with the partnership of our benefactors. Your generosity makes these stories possible.

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For the Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Praesidium Accreditation is more than a seal of approval — it reflects our enduring commitment to creating environments of safety, accountability, and care in every aspect of our ministry.

Accreditation by Praesidium, an independent leader in abuse prevention, affirms that we have strong policies in place, regularly train friars and lay collaborators, and maintain clear, independent processes for responding to concerns. It is not a one-time designation but an ongoing commitment, maintained through annual reviews and continuous alignment with evolving national standards.

Through this process, we foster a culture of awareness and formation — equipping friars, staff, and volunteers not only to prevent harm, but to actively promote safety, healing, and trust. We actively engage those closest to our ministries — families, lay collaborators, and ministry partners — to help us recognize risks early, support safe environments, and uphold a culture of accountability.

Any report of misconduct is taken seriously, investigated by an independent professional, and reviewed by an external board. Our safeguarding practices are designed to protect the vulnerable, ensure transparency, and respond with integrity and care.

We invite anyone who has experienced abuse in a Church setting to come forward. Our commitment to justice and healing compels us to listen with compassion and act responsibly.

Contacts

spiritualdirector@franciscansusa.org
Provincial Headquarters: +812 923 8444
Mission Advancement: +812 923 5250
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