In 1992 Fr. Richard Wilhelm purchased the former St. Mary’s Seminary property from the Archdiocese and hoped to turn it into a home for retired priests called the “Monks Retreat”. About the same time, Our Lady began appearing at St. Joseph Church in Cold Spring, KY where Fr. Leroy Smith was Pastor. Two years later Fr. Smith retired and at Fr. Wilhelm’s invitation, joined him at the seminary, soon to be named Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center. But the apparitions of Our Lady also followed Fr. Smith to OLHSC and thousands of visitors began to arrive on each August 31st for her reported appearances. Hundreds of volunteers wanted to be a part of Our Lady’s plans for “Her House”. But what Our Lady requested was not just the rebuilding of the property but also the rebuilding of the faith. One of her first requests was that a prayer card be printed and distributed. Dr. Bob and Marge O’Conner graciously responded. (Please note: Bob’s name was listed incorrectly as Bill in the OLHSC newsletter. Our apologies.). Here is Marge’s story:
On May 9, 1992 while at the Medjugorge Conference at Notre Dame University, Our Lady requested of the Batavia Visionary that “she wants the Our Lady of Light prayer – that she gave to me – delivered all over the United States.” It is to be Her first movement here beginning as Our Lady of Light in this country. The requested prayer card, plus the circular rainbow, which is her signature, was designed by Our Lady of Light Ministries and distributed at OLHSC and by mail requests starting in 1996 to fulfill Our Lady’s wishes.
Since 1996, 900,000 prayer cards have been distributed by Our Lady of Light Ministries to almost every state in America and many countries abroad, through mail requests as well as distribution at the Center. Through the years many have given witness to Her circular rainbow appearing visually or through the eye of a camera, prompting them to know and explore Our Lady’s messages and promote Our Lady of Light in America.
From Our Lady’s Prayer Card: The sign of hope (the circular rainbow) which is my signature, is significant in my appearances here as Our Lady of Light. … Know that through these prayer cards many miracles and graces will flow from the Father. This is His gift to me and my gift to all my children. Many healings have been reported and prayers answered through Our Lady of Light’s intercession. Our Lady always keeps her promises! Let us pray her Rosary faithfully for her intentions, to seek her protection, to bring the world to Jesus through our actions, to end the culture of death through abortion and violence and to maintain freedom in the land of America.