Dear [Mr. Carollo:]
As we get ready to celebrate Mother’s Day tomorrow we felt it was time to reach out to you. It’s been just over a month since the statue of Our Lady visited our parish and this email is long overdue.
The experience of our parish was like so many others have and will be, during this tour for peace but, we just wanted to thank you for sponsoring the tour. Working with Barb, Patrick and Larry made the visit one full of wonderful memories we will have to recall for many years to come. The effect the visit has had on so many people is overwhelming and true blessings have come because of it. Many people from all over our diocese had the opportunity to spend time with Our Lady especially during our overnight adoration in the church. It was, at times, so overwhelming. There were many tears shed, some of sadness for the petitions of numerous needs, but also many tears of joy for prayers answered and graces received.
For Marian and I, it was a renewal of many memories from our trip with you this past November to Fatima. Before the trip, many of us felt we were being drawn there to be given a specific mission when we returned. As time goes on, the mission seems to become more clear. We have to share the love Our Lady has shown to us through her Son with as many people as possible and to use whatever means God puts in our path. We have shared the experience of our pilgrimage with so many of our parishioners, family and friends since our return. Sharing the feeling of peace we experienced at the Shrine and the many other beautiful moments we had in Portugal, has brought many of them to a better understanding of Our Mother. The visit of the statue here allowed us to share the experience with so many others who may never have the opportunity to travel there as we did. Again, we want to Thank You for the “Yes” you have given to Our Lady, Our Mother.
We hope to see you at the Blue Army Shrine, Friday, May 13 for the 99th anniversary of Our Lady’s first apparition.
Peace,
Charlie and Marian Dillin
Our Lady of Peace Parish
Williamstown, New Jersey
