In the Beginning
It began in early 1987, when Deacon Ed and his wife Pat Heinz purchased a 120 year old farm in Windsor, Ohio. They originally planned to use their family's property as a Catholic Youth Camp, but eventually lost the farm due to financial problems in 1990.
By true divine intervention, they were able to repurchase the farm back in 1992. It was at that time that the Heinz family decided to show their faith-filled appreciation by using their property to glorify God and to share their story of faith with others. This was the beginning of The Servants of Mary Center for Peace.
The Grounds (OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 10AM-10PM)
At the center of the 50 acre farm, stands the world's largest statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mary's likeness stands 50 feet tall and is covered by over 450,000 mosaic tiles. The design and construction of the statue was donated by Richard Hyslin of Mission, Texas. He and many of his students and other volunteers spent 10,000 hours constructing this amazing work of art.
In front of the statue lies the LAKE OF HOPE which is surrounded by the worlds largest illuminated fifteen decade rosary. At night, the view is nothing short of awe inspiring as the beads light up the rural Ohio night sky.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS:
While at ground zero, near the foot of Mary, please post a photo of a finger pointing to the praying hands of Mary.
Or at ground zero inside the gate is a small two foot tall monument, message to me the words the are after the phrase: In Memory of... on the monument.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.