Sorrowful Mother Shrine update February 2026
Fond farewell to Br. Terry Nufer, C.PP.S.
For fifteen years, Br. Terry Nufer, C.PP.S., has been a steady, joyful, and prayerful presence at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine. Through his music, his quiet service as sacristan, and his genuine care for everyone who walked through our doors, he has touched our community in ways that are hard to measure but impossible to forget.
Br. Terry often said he wanted to stay with us through the special moments in the life of the shrine — the National Eucharistic Revival, the Holy Year, and our 175th anniversary — and he did so with the same wholehearted dedication he brought to every day here. This has been the longest assignment of his ministry, and it shows: his fingerprints are on the rhythm of our worship, the beauty of our liturgies, and the spiritual home he helped nurture.
As he moves to St. Charles Senior Living Center, many might be tempted to call this “retirement.” But in true Br. Terry fashion, his “active retirement” will continue at St. Charles, where he plans to play for Mass each morning and Benediction on weekday evenings. Even in this new chapter, he remains eager to serve, to share his gifts, and to bring the same faithful spirit to his new community.
We are deeply grateful for the countless ways Br. Terry has enriched the shrine — through music that lifted our hearts, through service offered quietly and humbly, and through the friendship and warmth he extended to so many. His absence will be truly felt, but his legacy will continue to echo in our prayer and song.
Please keep Br. Terry in your prayers as he begins the next step of his journey.
Eucharistic Healing Service
Over 100 people attended the recent Eucharistic Healing Service held at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine on Dec. 12. The service was led by Fr. Patrick Gonyeau, C.PP.S., and consisted of prayers for both spiritual and physical healing.
The next Eucharist Healing Service will be April 10, 2026. Those wishing to participate are encouraged to confirm their attendance by calling the Sorrowful Mother Shrine office at 419-483-3435, option 4.
Christmas Mass at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine
Many of our faithful pilgrims attended one of our Christmas Masses at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine. It was a beautiful opportunity to joyfully celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many thanks to all the volunteers who gave so generously of their time and talents in decorating the chapel and grounds. We deeply appreciate their efforts in enhancing the peaceful and serene atmosphere offered here at the Sorrowful Mother Shrine.