Share Your Witness
This is the area where you can Share a Witness to what an Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry retreat or conference has meant to you.
Please share your stories with everyone to witness to how God has moved in your life!
"The finger of God is on this ministry."
—Fr. Peter Mary Rookey, OSM (Order of the Servants of
Mary & spiritual father of OSMM)
"This is the real deal. There is no funny stuff here." —Fr. Andrew Apostoli & Fr. Richard McAlear, internationally-known healing priests
"This is a ministry of reconciliation." —Fr. Bill Casey, CPM (Fathers of Mercy)
"Through Mary's patronage, Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry provides a grace-filled opportunity to "come away and rest" awhile. Nurtured by the Lord through Word, Sacrament, and prayer, participants come away empowered to continue to grow in the knowledge, love, and service of our Holy Faith!!" —Fr. John Titus, Eastern Illinois University chaplain and pastor, St Charles Borromeo (Charleston, IL)
"There was a palpable goodness this weekend. It was well-balanced, fulfilling and complete. Here there is great authenticity, order, justice and peace—where there is order, there is justice, and where there is justice there is peace." —Fr. Mark Baron, MIC (Marians of the Immaculate Conception)
"Vandalia is a very pro-priest environment. It is being with a group of laity who are especially sensitive to the gift of priesthood God has given to men. Prayer came very easily while staying in the Bethany House for priests." —Fr. Ken Hummel, Western Illinois University chaplain and pastor, St Patrick's (Raritan, IL)
"The retreats focus on healing without forgetting the redemptive value of suffering and the call to holiness." —Fr. John Larson, MIC (Marians of the Immaculate Conception)
"You can trust this ministry. Our two ministries (OSMM & My Father's House) are wedded." —Fr. Bill McCarthy
Can words describe God's gentle grace coming through OSMM? It is as though the hand of God has lifted me up out of a dark pit and placed me on higher ground. The sacraments and God's people are alive with His grace and love in a special way here. What a year of retreats this has been. I continue to come as often as I can. Many here are beginning to be like family to me. God is so good. Thank you Debbie and Vanessa for your incredible faith and love in serving the Lord through the years!
Posted by: Leslie on July 3, 2008
My experience was one of total peace and joy! I felt that I was among friends. What struck me so profoundly was the humility, sincerity and love of the ministry... We were all in the same place, all striving together in faith... It was easy to have confidence in the fact that it is solidly Catholic! I'm looking forward to my next visit with hopes of bringing my husband to join me in the experience!
May God continue to bless this ministry!
Posted by: Shelly Pichler on July 2, 2008
God seems to move mightily in unsuspecting places. Vandalia, IL is clearly one of those places.
I began my weekend open to what God wanted to do and ready to receive; God truly blessed me throughout the weekend and continues to work in me in a deeper way.
First, it was the peace of the journey and the ease of arrival. Then, the warm welcome given as we entered the parish center. Once inside, I could feel the energy flowing throughout the room. Especially as both Fathers would begin to speak — I could just feel God touching and ministering to me; the Spirit was moving!
Add that to the distinct and blessed smell of incense & then Mary's roses and people's reaction to the healing services ... it was a total success!
Also, the love that others have for your ministry was clearly evident. People were willing to travel to be a part of this ministry. God has truly touched them and blessed them in return for responding and they continue to heed the call to participate.
Since the weekend, I continue to feel a much deeper and easier flow of the Holy Spirit and a deeper celebration as I go to Mass.
Thank you for stepping out and trusting Him. I will continue to pray for your protection, clear guidance and the blocking of any voices other than those blessed by God. Thank you for this blessing! May he continue to draw people to this special ministry.
Posted by: Michelle on June 27, 2008
I want to let you know what a blessing last weekend's retreat was ... and continues to be ... for me. I signed up for and came to the retreat not looking for anything in particular and without any expectations. I only knew that I was being called to attend.
I left the retreat weekend with the bitterness over an incident last Spring completely erased, the joy of seeing two of my dearest friends fulfilled and being exactly where God is calling them to be at this time in their journey, new friends made, several signs of affirmation that I was where I was supposed to be, the possibility of new doors opening as to where He is leading me, and last but not least, OSMM and its mission of healing burned deeply into my own heart.
It is most evident that His Spirit overshadows this powerfully strong ministry. I highly doubt anyone could attend a retreat weekend and NOT leave without being touched in some way.
Posted by: Catherine Foster on June 27, 2008
My weekend retreat at "Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry" started off great with Mass. I enjoyed the opportunity to begin this way and not just end the retreat with Mass as is done so often. Having an opportunity to go to reconciliation on Friday night was a way for me to rid myself of sin and to prepare myself to have an open heart for the weekend. I felt I was in good spiritual shape to receive whatever graces the Holy Spirit wanted to share with me.
I noticed right away the feeling of great respect for everyone and a tangible love. I was welcomed with open arms as a child of God no matter where I am in life. The retreat team has a great belief in their healing ministry and this was shown through their own testimonies. We heard about hope, joy, perseverance, change, challenges, acceptance, surrender, rebirth, growing in faith and more. At "Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry" I met beautiful, humble priests convicted in their faith, Sisters shining with the light and joy of Christ, lay people ready to listen and help anyone and a music ministry that enhanced the weekend with meditative songs and praise and worship music.
There were several different speakers and the neat thing was they all had something to say that spoke to me whether it was a similar experience or to teach me something new about our faith. They really balanced the weekend well because it involved the complete Holy Trinity and the saints as well. We were lucky to be there for the solemnity of St. Joseph on Saturday which was celebrated with cake and the sharing of devotions to him. It was also Palm Sunday weekend and going to a retreat during Lent was very fruitful for me.
It was a very prayerful retreat because I could choose from different prayer teams to pray with me or have all of them pray with me!! I also was prayed over by Father Joe Whalen, the healing priest present that weekend. There was even a special time when I was prayed over by many in the retreat team at once and this is when I had my own special experience. As they prayed over me I immediately felt a warmth or burning in my chest area that continued until they finished praying for me. I had been praying for a physical healing but especially for a healing of my heart long before the retreat. I don't know what happened (yet) but I feel the Holy Spirit truly entered into my heart during that time. I hope I will come to understand what it meant but for now all I need to know is that I was given a special grace through the servants of God at "Our Mother's Sorrowful Ministry" that weekend.
Everything about Debbie and Vanessa's healing ministry is for God's glory. The beautifully decorated Mary and Martha houses, the exquisite chapel, the reverent Masses, the individual spiritual direction, the powerful testimonies, the literature, the reflections, and all the prayers. Everyone involved has allowed themselves to be instruments of God so that I could receive his graces.
I came away rested, filled spiritually and with a desire to invite Christ into my daily life even more; to trust him and rely on his mercy and love... to ask Mother Mary and more saints for their constant intercessions. I came away with examples of pure and holy love for others and for God in Debbie and Vanessa and their retreat team. I also came away with the conviction that I need to attend another weekend!!!
Thank you to all who were involved and to our Lord for leading me to you.
Posted by: Kim O'Meara on April 4, 2008
"On Hallowed Ground"
The first time that I heard of Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry was in February 2001 due to a brochure on a table at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Springfield, Illinois. Little did I know how this pamphlet would change my life forever. Nor did I realize at the time that God's hand was on me and I was supposed to attend this retreat in the small town of Vandalia.
My childhood years were difficult growing up in a family where my father was mentally ill and abusive. In the mid 1950's mental illness and domestic violence was not recognized or acknowledged. Instead it was behavior that was hidden in closets, swept under rugs and whispered about behind closed doors. My siblings and I lived in constant fear. Deaf ears were turned towards a little girls pleas for help and my sisters and I were cast adrift in a sea of society indifference without hope.
In 2001 yet another tragedy touched my family's lives which sent me reeling with pain and grief. I went to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church to kneel and pray. As I was existing the vestibule of the church the reflection of the light from the stained glass windows seemed to highlight a piece of paper on a table. I was drawn to that light and to the paper. The paper turned out to be a brochure telling of a Lenten Retreat in Vandalia presented by Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry. The topic was "Healing Your Family Tree" by Fr. John H. Hampsch. C.M.F. and it said to come and experience the healing of your family. The pamphlet and the topic spoke to my heart and I wondered could it possibly be true, could there be hope for myself and my family? I took the pamphlet and the exciting news to my Christian counselor. As she read the brochure and its contents she said that the retreat offered everything that anyone could possibly need to be helped and healed. She said, "Carol you go and I will pray."
The weekend of the retreat drew near and my heart was gripped with fear as I drove to Vandalia late on a Friday afternoon. Questions filled my mind. Dare I hope to discover peace at this retreat? Will I be given the knowledge to help my family? Will I be forced once again to face the realities and the devastation of what domestic violence can do to a family? I had never attended a retreat before and I was alone and scared. I walked into the building and soon I was listening to the spiritual teachings of Fr. Hampsch and other amazing teachers and speakers. Before my very own eyes and ears my Catholic religion was becoming alive and real and it was taking on a brand new meaning for me. There was praise and worship songs, individuals could go to confession, prayer groups, an awesome healing service with the laying on of hands and HOPE! Like a desert in a rain storm my soul drank in every word of that retreat. I had a lot to think about and to reflect upon as I later drove homeward.
Reflecting back to that amazing retreat I could see that at Vandalia I had met my own personal Medjugorje. Medjugorje a place of light, love, peace and hope. For me I did not need to travel to a foreign land I had found my Medjugorje in Vandalia, a small village nestled on the prairie in America's Heartland. The founderesses of Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry Debbie Pryor and Vanessa Keck are truly angels unaware. Like the ripple effect of a stone cast upon the water of a pond, their ministry has reached out and touched the life, hearts and souls of many individuals. I am deeply grateful for these awesome dedicated women and their wonderful work. Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry indeed stands on hallowed ground and I am so thankful for their brochure that gave me hope and changed my life forever.
Posted by: Carol Jirousek on March 24, 2008
I would like to thank you for the beautiful day I had on Saturday, March 15, at the retreat. I found so many holy people filled with peace and joy. Everyone was so genuinely happy and I sensed a deep and committed love for one another. I feel so refreshed and closer to Jesus because of your prayers and your commitment to leading others to our Lord. I was equally impressed with Fr. Whalen and his palpable joy for our Lord and for his work. Everyone's witness touched my heart and brought me closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sisters were two of the most brightest stars in the room; their joy was ever so radiant. The homes that I toured were outstandingly beautiful; the hard work and dedication to these projects were definitely blessed by our Lord, His Mother, St. Januarius and St. Joseph, besides all the angels and saints that adorn your premises. Again I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful day I experienced; it was a perfect way to begin Holy Week. I am sharing my experiences with my family and hope to bring them out to visit. God Bless.
Posted by: Robin Lukasek on March 17, 2008
Fr. Peter Mary Rookey is a living Saint. Just being in his presence was a blessing. My thanks go to Debbie and Vanessa for the tribute they paid to Fr. Rookey. It brought tears to my eyes. Fr. Rookey wrote on a card to Debbie and Vanessa, "The Lord has His Finger on this place." There is no disputing that fact! When Fr. Richard McAlear prayed over me during the Saturday evening healing service, he looked at me and smiled more beautifully than I have ever seen a smile. It was like looking into the face of Jesus. Tears came to my eyes, and I uncontrollably leaned forward into his chest. Then I was lifted off, fell backward slain in the spirit. It was a wonderful feeling/experience. Confessions were held on Friday evening with numerous priests. I was blessed to have Fr. Andrew Apostoli give me absolution. Annie Karto and Matthew Baute lifted our spirits in song. Bishop George Lucas, Fr. Delix Michel, Fr. John Titus, Fr. Mark Baron, The Apostles of the Interior Life, and "Mary's Head Coach" Theresa Grentz all delivered powerful messages. Congratulations on a very successful "10th Annual Conference."
Posted by: Janice Pohlman on November 8, 2007
First of all I want to thank you for responding to God's call and creating such a wonderful, friendly, faith filled place where someone could go and receive God's healing and mercy. My experience last weekend at the conference was one I will never forget. I never received such love, compassion, forgiveness, grace and mercy in one place. The Lord touched my life in such a special way last week through the sacraments, priest, people, healing prayer teams and talks. So much has happened to me in the past two years. I wanted so much to grow in holiness and do God's will, but I couldn't understand what was holding me back. It never occurred to me that I was the one that was not opened to receiving God's love and mercy and that I needed healing. I know this process is not going to be an easy one for me and I need the support of others praying for me and my family; with the help of OSMM retreats, prayers and spiritual direction, I know I will be able to take the next step in my spiritual journey. Thank you again, may God bless you and your ministry. With the love of Christ, Karen
Posted by: Karen on November 4, 2007
What an honor it is to be able to listen and help the retreatants and team members in this ministry. The blessings that I have received are abundant! And what Fr. Bill said during the retreat is true, we are reaping what we did not sow. Debbie and Vanessa, you have both been planting the seeds for 10 years, and we are blessed to be here for the fruit which bears in due season. It is truly a privilege for me to know you and work with you in this ministry. The fruit of the Reconciliations are here because of your faithfulness, prayers, and sacrifices. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Miracles are happening in a little town of Vandalia, IL, and I have been blessed by them.
Posted by: Annette on August 20, 2007
Vandalia? What's Vandalia? Isn't that some kind of an onion? Well, yes it is, but it is also a town in southern Illinois where the Holy Spirit is doing a mighty work. A friend and I were blessed this past weekend at a healing retreat we attended in Vandalia. The peace, love, and joy that emanate from the chapel in Bethany House are palpable. At the close of the retreat, my friend and I both felt we had to spend just a little more time in that sacred place before heading for home. Don't make a retreat in Vandalia IF you have the opportunity. MAKE the opportunity! You won't be sorry. Debbie and Vanessa, may the Holy Spirit continue to guide you as you allow Him to heal His people in this special place. God bless you both. —Sharon Martin, Chair 2008 CCR Conference "Called To Be Holy" http://www.calledtobeholy.org
Posted by: Sharon on August 20, 2007
The Family Healing retreat in July was very powerful for me! Fr. John Titus provided great witness, we shared some things in common and I was able to relate to him in many ways. And Fr. Zachary gave wonderful spiritual insights; he was inspiring and affirming in his love for Our Lady and True Devotion.
This ministry has been invaluable to me this past year as I have had to struggle through some personal and family issues. I have always encountered wonderful and holy priests who have facilitated the healing process and provided spiritual guidance. The music of Annie & Matthew creates a soft and holy atmosphere--they are a blessing.
Posted by: Ken on July 30, 2007
I come to the retreats to heal my family from alcohol, drugs and promiscuity. I love that God would use a parish center (gym) and two women who have families and now the responsibilities of two houses of Bethany. I find the place very peaceful and the hospitality mirrors that of Mary and Martha. The sacraments are extra special there--I don't know if it is because of the intimacy or the fact that the pace is slow. God shows up big and the tenderness of the music pray-ers is soothing balm to my wound.
God is my healer and I am hoping that as I come to Vandalia, I will have a better understanding of Mary, the Sorrowful Mother. I recommend this ministry. God bless this ministry and St. Joseph and Mary find the money so we can contribute to sustaining this ministry that so opening serves YOU. May God's blessings continue to be abundant!
Posted on July 29, 2007
My experience at OSMM this past weekend was so powerful. Such mercy and love, not to mention the graces, blessings and affirmations that I received, the Holy Spirit had such gifts to convene to me. Annie—I just have to say that I am loving listening to your CD's! Your voice is so soothing and wonderful. I think about you a lot: your kindness, your peaceful, accepting way.
Posted by: Mary on July 4, 2007
Thank you for all of your wonderful work you are doing. It might be a while before you know all the good that will come of your sacrifice of your lives. My sister-in-law is very blessed to be able to call you her friends.
Love and prayers, Barbara
Posted by: Barbara on May 28, 2007
Thank you for a beautiful weekend. The "house" is so filled with the love of Our Lord and Our Lady. The chapel is awesome. To be able to sit with our Jesus, friend and Savior is overwhelming at times.
God bless all your works, Frances
Posted by: Frances on May 27, 2007
Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality. The House of Bethany has been a wonderful and I'm sure fruitful experience for not only me, but also for my sisters in Christ.
God bless you both and the teams that help make your conferences so rewarding.
My sincere thanks and love, Marilynn
Posted by: Marilynn on May 26, 2007
On Saturday you just blew me away with having Fr. Rookey there. Last month when Annie introduced me to the Servite Rosary I was so deeply touched as I said in my "sharing" on that Sunday. My Aunt, who lived with my parents and I, lived in Chicago since she was 18 until her retirement in 1975. For most of that time she was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Chicago -- until the neighborhood got bad and she was forced to move west. She continued her devotion to the Servites and was a member of the Third Order. I felt her presence during the Rosary in February and then on Saturday it was confirmed -- the rosaries that I had in my hand -- which were hers -- she said in the presence of Fr. Rookey. I mentioned that to him after the Rosary on Saturday before I left. He just held my hands with the rosary still in them and the power and emotion that came over me was unbelievable. I cried -- sobbed -- all of the way home.
I have to say that this was truly the best (very best) birthday celebration that I have had in my entire life. For me -- life truly does begin at 50! Blessings to both of you always! You are always in my thoughts and prayers and look forward to seeing you again soon!
Posted by: Jo Ann on Mar 20, 2007
January was my first retreat and it was truly powerful. My heart is still filled with joy and when I recall events of those 3 glorious days it brings tears to my eyes. I was so moved by this experience that I can hardly wait to return. I close my eyes and breathe in the name of Jesus and I am comforted knowing that all is in His hands and for once I am not in control of my destiny. I continue to pray and thank the Lord for the pain that He has removed from my knee last weekend -- I was so excited that I could straighten my knee in the car and not scream out in pain that I prayed the Divine Mercy for 2 hours! Of course, I had to leave time for Annie and Matthew's CDs too! The whole experience was totally awesome. Can't wait until next month!
Posted by: Jo Ann on Jan 28, 2007
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