“Thank you to Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry and all the work they do to bring people closer to Christ. I see this ministry as an important part of forming intentional disciples of our Lord in the Diocese of Springfield and beyond.”
~ Bishop Thomas John Paprocki
Over the years, Our Sorrowful Mother Ministry/Betania XVI has been a powerhouse of Catholic spirituality, of healing and of works of mercy, serving the Midwest region and beyond. Totally faithful to the Church, sanctioned by the local Bishop, and full of dynamism and joy, this ministry continues to show us the face of Jesus in a world desperately in need of him. May Our Lady always protect this precious lay movement.
~Fr. Tim Byerley, Vice Postulator for the Cause of Servant of God Maria Esperanza
"I was blessed to have my first experience at Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry in October of this year. It was a wonderful, spiritually uplifting experience and long overdue. The faith and fidelity of not only those who were present for the conferences but also of the many volunteers was spiritually profitable for me. In the world today with so many forces arrayed against the truth of Holy Mother Church, the works that Debbie and Vanessa are doing is desperately needed. As a priest, I am grateful to know these courageous servants laboring in the vineyard with me. I look forward to being at OSMM on many occasions in the years to come."
~Msgr. Morris, Rector of the Oratory of Ss. Gregory and Augustine and priest of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
The Betania Foundation would like to state that, in our opinion, OSMM is an institution founded to work as an instrument of God's plan of evangelization and of edification of his kingdom in Vandalia (IL), surroundings and in the souls of the hundreds of people from the different corners of the US who benefit from its conferences and retreats. In addition, we applaud the many corporal and spiritual works of mercy we have witnessed since Our Lord crossed our paths, especially the great task of coordinating donations with so many wonderful and mindful people, collecting food and supplies, and then shipping them to Venezuela, our dear but very afflicted country.
~Maria Coromoto Bianchini de Marrero, daughter of Maria Esperanza and Vice President of Betania Foundation
OSMM is a dynamic lay lead ministry that brings outstanding Catholic speakers and retreat masters to south-central Illinois. Your prayers and generosity are helping to build up the Church and change lives throughout the Midwest every month.
~Fr. John Titus, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, Mattoon, IL
A grace filled place, under the patronage of the Mediatrix of all grace.
Fr. Joseph Tuscan, OFM Cap.
"As a native Vandalian, I have been blessed to know the many faithful Catholics at Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry for almost my entire life. Their work as catechists and as prayer warriors have helped shape me into the priest I am today."
- Fr. Zachary Edgar, Chaplain of Illinois Veterans Home, Quincy, IL
Recent Speakers at OSMM
It is always a great blessing for me to visit Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry in Vandalia, Illinois. It is a place of healing for those struggling in this valley of tears. I cannot recommend this place enough, for people can find Divine Assistance there just from visiting the grounds, especially the chapel, or attending one of their amazing retreats. They will come into greater contact with Our Lady of Sorrows and share more deeply in the mystery of Redemption. At OSMM, people begin to see that their sorrows and pain, when united to Christ's Crucifixion and Mary's Sorrows, are a real means of spiritual growth.
Fr. Shannon M. Collins, MSJB, Superior of the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Latin Mass Parish, Park Hills, KY 41016
When we heard that the Kolbe Center could not hold its retreat in Corpus Christi, we immediately recommended Our Sorrowful Mother Ministry in Vandalia. They responded and worked with us wonderfully. We were edified by all they did for us during our stay. The quarters for my community were very much appreciated, being not only a place to stay but a place to pray and lift up our hearts in every room. Finally, it was helpful to be able to purchase all of Fr. Chad Ripperger's works in one place. Thank you for all your efforts and may God reward you abundantly.
I remain yours in the Sorrowful Mother,
Fr. Sean Kopczynski, MSJB
The Kolbe Center held its annual leadership retreat at Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry Retreat Center in Vandalia, Illinois, in August 2020. We have held our leadership retreat at a Benedictine Abbey and at a diocesan retreat center, but we have never had such a great experience as we did at the OSMM retreat center. The administrators of the center bent over backwards to help us in every possible way. Best of all, there is an indefinably holy atmosphere at the center that creates a perfect ambience for any Catholic conference or retreat that aims to enrich the spiritual lives of the attendees.
Yours in Christ through the Immaculata in union with St. Joseph,
Hugh Owen
Hugh Owen is currently the director of the John Paul II Institute of Christian Spirituality and the founder and director of the Kolbe Center for the Study of Creation in Mt. Jackson, Virginia.
Fr. Joseph Kuhlman
I have received many graces here through Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry and I hope to return. Thank you for your graciousness and charity. i am most grateful to God, Our Lady, and St. Joseph for the honor of coming here for the Feast of St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church and Most Chaste Spouse of the Immaculate Conception.
“I was blessed to lead a retreat at Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry. This ministry is anointed and the women behind it blessed by the Lord! The Spirit of God filled the sanctuary and souls were healed as affirmed to me by attendees. Our Blessed Mother’s mantle is wrapped around this spiritual place. I strongly encourage you to experience OSMM for yourself, you will leave closer to His Sacred Heart.”
~ Kendra Von Esh