The Basilica is a place of healing and countless blessings through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of Consolation. We hope and pray that here, in this sacred place, all who come before this humble statue of Mary may find faith, hope, and healing to continue this pilgrimage of life which is a journey to join our heavenly Father in heaven.
Email: pilgrimdir@olcshrine.com
Phone: 419-396-7107
Visiting Clergy Information
Without the proper permission granted by the Chancellor of the Diocese of Toledo, no ministry may be performed nor may Mass or any other liturgy be (con)celebrated at Our Lady of Consolation Basilica & Shrine by the visiting priest or deacon. This policy is strictly enforced by the Rector of Our Lady of Consolation.
- Any visiting priest or deacon incardinated outside the Diocese of Toledo coming into the diocese (for a pilgrimage, mission, presentation, conference, Mass, etc.), which also includes coming to Our Lady of Consolation Basilica & Shrine, must provide a Letter of Suitability (Certificate of Aptitude) from an official of his diocese of incardination (the diocese to which he belongs) or from his Religious Superior/Provincial Director of the religious order or Institute of Apostolic Life of which he is a member.
- This Letter of Suitability (Certificate of Aptitude) must be current and bearing the seal of the diocese of incardination (the diocese to which he belongs) or of the religious order or institute of apostolic life to which he belongs and mailed to the Vicar for Clergy of the Diocese of Toledo.
- The letter must clearly state the purpose and dates for your visitation to Our Lady of Conslation Basilica & Shrine.
- This letter must be on file at the Chancery of the Diocese of Toledo before the visiting priest or deacon is granted permission to perform any ministry or (con)celebrate Mass at the Basilica & Shrine.
- A copy of the letter must be sent to the Rector of Our Lady of Consolation even though the Chancery of the Diocese of Toledo forwards a copy of the letter to the Rector. This is to ensure that proper documentation is received at both ends, especially if there are any problems or questions that might arise.
- Providing this information and the sending of it to the Chancery should not be done at the last minute. If so, there is a good possibility the letter or other required information might not arrive in time. If so, the required permission will not be granted and an embarrassing situation for all involved could arise.
- It is to be clearly understood that a CELEBRET is no longer sufficient or accepted as proof to (con)celebrate at Mass or perform other ministries in the dioceses of the United States. This regulation applies to all priests or deacons coming to Our Lady of Consolation Basilica & Shrine, even to those coming from outside of the United States.
Chancery Address:
Rev. Michael Dandurand
Vicar for Clergy and Senior Director of Clergy, Consecrated Life, & Vocations
Diocese of Toledo
1933 Spielbusch Ave
Toledo, OH 43604
P: 419-244-6711
F: 419-244-4791
Letters of Suitability request by email:
Ingrid Cooper – icooper@toledodiocese.org
Copy sent to:
Basilica & National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation
Father Thomas Merrill, OFM Conv., Rector
315 Clay Street
Carey, Ohio 43316
Please email a copy to:
rector@olcshrine.com and pilgrimdir@olcshrine.com
Group Scheduling Information
When you arrive for pilgrimage, one of our Franciscan Friars will be ready to greet you and welcome you to Our Lady of Consolation. Your pilgrimage day will generally begin with a prayer and an introduction to the grounds, including location of restrooms, cafeteria, gift shop and Shrine Park. Groups generally attend the 11:00am Mass. After Mass, you can have lunch, a tour, visit and pray in the Basilica and Original Shrine Church, shop in the Gift Shop, walk around the 30 acre Shrine Park, or pray the Stations of the Cross.
Convenient parking is available.
Teachers and School Groups
We would be very happy to work with you to arrange a pilgrimage that would best fit the needs of you and your students. Perhaps you have a First Communion class, Confirmation class, or a field trip to make this year and you are looking for a spiritual place to spend your day of pilgrimage. We are happy to make your day meaningful and memorable at this holy place dedicated to the honor of Mary, the Mother of God under the title of Our Lady of Consolation.
Feel free to call our office (419) 396-7107 to discuss the details of scheduling a pilgrimage. To help the process, the following information is presented for your use in planning. Please review the information below in advance of your call.
Planning Information for Adult or Student Groups
Pilgrimage Date requested
Number of Persons in Group/Students and grade
Lunch options
Arrival and Departure Times
Contact Person Name, Address, Telephone, and if available, email address
The Basilica is a place of healing and countless blessings through the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Consolation. We hope and pray that here, in this sacred place, all who come before this humble statue of Mary may find faith, hope and healing to continue this pilgrimage of life which is a journey to join our heavenly Father in heaven.
Lunches
Your group is welcome to have lunch while you are here. We have an arrangement with Moreno’s Restaurant to cater pilgrim lunches in our Shrine Cafeteria or you are welcome to eat at the restaurant which is 0.4 miles away. There are two options for lunch which you can view here.