Let me tell you this place is special. Just as the story says, there is perpetual adoration and has been for something like 30 years. There are priests in the confessional before every mass, and lines to get in too. There is a communion rail where an actual priest gives you communion with an alter boy holding a plate to prevent any chance of the body of our Lord falling to the floor. What I did not see mentioned in the article is that the 7:30 PM Saturday masses are in Latin, traditional on the first Saturday of the month and Novus Ordo on the other Saturdays.
I do find the steel statues of Our Lady a bit on the gaudy side. There are actually two statues, a large one visible from the highway and a smaller copy in a courtyard next to the church. People are always at the shrine praying and saying rosaries. The statue in the courtyard is always surrounded by fresh flowers.
Every mass I have been to has been well attended. Even with no obligation, the parking lot will be filled for weekday evening mass.
The parish is a leader in the pro-life movement in the area. Routinely the evil of abortion is condemned from the pulpit and we are reminded of our responsibility to fight against abortion. We are invited to join regular protests lead by the priests at abortion clinics.
A couple months ago I began attending the young adult group meetings with a lively group of orthodox young Catholics. While I have never heard an ill word spoken of the bishop, only prayers for his health and God granted wisdom, I still sense much trepidation about what will happen when Monsignor Sweeney retires and who will be sent to replace him. If someone is appointed who does not cherish all of the wonderful traditions that makes OLOP the special place that it is I will be heart broken.
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