On June 23, 2002, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) organized a pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio. Nearly 50 participants traveled to the shrine, modeled after the one in Harissa, Lebanon.
A special highlight during the pilgrimage was a lecture by American TFP member Mr. Richard Lyon. The meeting explained the current TFP campaign in defense of the Catholic Church in face of the scandals. Mr. Lyon made a link between the Protestant revolt led by Luther and the current crisis. Luther, protesting obvious errors and corruption, did not try to reform the Church but attacked the Church and brought on something much worse. Today, organizations like Voice of the Faithful and Call to Action are taking advantage of the discontent caused by the scandals to reform the structure of the Church.
The event was also an occasion for participants to learn about the National Shrine. The decision to build the original shrine in Lebanon was made five years after the proclamation of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The Patriarch of the Maronite rite at that time wanted this shrine to honor this august dogma. The National Shrine was built many years later and was dedicated on the Centennial Anniversary of the Dogma.
The national Shrine’s most impressive aspect is its tower. A seven-and-a-half-ton pink granite statue of Our Lady of Lebanon is positioned on top. The statue has her hands open to all who go there seeking help and counsel in today’s troubled world.