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Our Vision

Through compassionate sharing in the life of Christ we will facilitate and encourage Mary's intercession.

Our Mission

We will provide pilgrims a destination to encounter Jesus

 

We will strengthen all who come to the Shrine
 

We will share the beauty of our faith

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The knots of our life!

How they suffocate the soul, beat us down, betray the joy in our heart  and most of all....Separate us from God.

 

What is the Origin of this devotion to Mary Undoer of Knots?

 

The devotion to Mary as the Undoer of Knots is the earliest in Christendom, as it goes back to the early church father, St. Ireneaus, Bishop and Martyr (130-202).

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Irenaeus was born in 130 A.D. in Smyrna (modern day Turkey), and died in 202 A.D. in Lyons, France, where he had become the bishop.  In his youth Irenaeus was a disciple of Saint Polycarp, who was martyred in 155 A.D, but who had himself been a disciple of the Apostle Saint John the Evangelist.  Thus, Irenaeus’ close historical connection to John lends a distinct apostolic credence and weight to all his writings.  His greatest work is the massive five-volume set of books Adversus Haereses, or Against Heresies, a refutation of the doctrines of Gnosticism.  In this writing he stated: “…the knot of Eve’s disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the virgin Mary set free through faith.” (St. Ireneaus, Against Heresies, 180 A.D.)

Mary Undoer of Knots Icon

WHAT ARE THE KNOTS WE ENCOUNTER?

 

They are the problems and struggles we face for which we do not see any solution:

  • The knots of discord in the family

  • The knots that create misunderstanding between parents and children

  • The knots of disrespect

  • The knots of violence

  • The knots of deep hurts between husband and wife

  • The absence of peace and joy at home

  • The knots of anguish and despair of separated couples

  • The dissolution of the family

  • The knots of a drug addict son or daughter

  • The knots of being sick or separated from home or God

  • The knots of alcoholism

  • The practice of abortion

  • The knots of depression

  • The knots of unemployment

  • The knots of fear

  • The knots of solitude

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