The relic is a portion of one of her ribs.

No, the relics are enclosed in a large reliquary which is also inside a large glass box which we are not able to open.

No, the relics are enclosed in a reliquary which cannot be opened and thus unable to be touched to create 3rd class relics.

No, registration is not required; however since we are a small parish, it is helpful for us to approximate the number of people attending.

All are welcome to attend without registration. Feel free to re-register and/or come when you are able. Registration just helps us approximate the number of people attending.

We are receiving only a small amount of Lourdes Water from France so the water will be used for the sprinkling rite during the Masses and during the Virtual Pilgrimage. A small bowl will also be placed near the reliquary to bless one’s self. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide any to take home.

Should you desire Lourdes Water for yourself, please order it directly from the Sanctuary of Lourdes by sending an e-mail to stephanie.shaw@lourdes-france.com Please ensure that you only order directly from the Sanctuary as there are many fraudulent websites selling water. Commercial use of Lourdes Water is strictly prohibited.

The church itself will be open for visitors to see the relics and for private prayer. The parish hall will be used for visitors to watch an approx. 15 min long looped video on Lourdes. In the courtyard, we have a small grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes as well as many saint statues as part of a Saint Walk around the church. We have two single bathrooms in the back of the church hall as well as several portable toilets that will be available as well.

We are a small church so on-site parking is limited. Please click on the Parking Layout map for the parking options: Parking Layout

Roadside parking in front of and beside the church is reserved for handicapped parking. We do have a small 20 car parking lot directly across the street (south). Weather permitting, we will have parking in the small grass field adjacent to the church. Overflow parking is available at Wilson Football Factory on Thursday and Friday after 5pm and all day Saturday. Additional lots are located throughout the village. Street parking is allowed in Ada, but be aware we will have buses bringing groups of people and allow space for them to pass. The gravel lot on the north side of the church will be reserved for volunteer parking.

If you are coming on a charter bus, please follow the instructions here: Bus Parking

We will have the roadside spaces marked off along E. Highland and N. Simon in front of and beside the church for handicap parking. We also have a small parking lot directly across the street and other locations surrounding the church. We encourage those able to walk to leave the closest parking locations for those who most need them (esp. during larger events).

Parking Layout

Please see the link for a map and instructions for dropoff and parking: Bus Parking

We will not have food available on-site, but Ada has several restaurants to choose from, many within a short walking distance.

Given the small size of our parish hall, we will not have room on-site. However, Ohio Northern University and Ada War Memorial Park are located nearby with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. In addition, Ada has several restaurant options, many within walking distance of the church.

Yes, we are blessed to have 2 well-known relic sites located within a 1 hour drive of the church, including Maria Stein which houses the 2nd largest collection of relics in the USA.
 

National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation

315 Clay Street
Carey, OH 43316

About 35 miles or 40 minutes northeast of the church. 

Website
 

Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics 

The Inn at ONU (Ohio Northern University) is located in Ada. Nearby hotel options are also available in Bluffton, Lima, and Findlay.