Radiothon aim: Restoring shrine

Built in 1931, the Shrine's coliseum needs a new three-tiered roof, and the vice president of WIZR-930 AM in Johnstown hopes to raise $250,000 for the place that meant so much to him as he battled cancer a few years ago.

"I found a great deal of serenity and peace by going to Auriesville Shrine," he said. "When the cancer went into remission, the Jesuit Fathers were very comforting and offered a lot of spiritual advice."

Commitment

Knowing the Shrine was struggling financially, he promised Rev. John Paret, SJ, then-director, that his station would hold a radiothon. During the past three months, the station has raised about $125,000 for refinishing the 72 coliseum doors, touching up paint around windows and landscaping.

Even the parents of children at St. Jude's Hospital have raised $1,000, and Mr. Caruso has been surprised by the ecumenical and interfaith participation in the fund-raising.

"It's amazing; the non-Catholic community has shown so much support financially," he said. "I met a rabbi from New York City who came up to visit the Shrine and left a $1,000 donation. There's something special when you come to Auriesville."

The Shrine is where three canonized North American martyrs -- Isaac Jogues, Rene Goupil and Jean Lalande -- were killed in 1642 and where the first recorded Rosary in New York State was said.

Range of support

There will be Masses at 4 and 7:30 p.m. on August 12, and at 9 and 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 and 4 p.m. on August 13. An apostolic blessing from Pope John Paul II will be read during the 7:30 p.m. Mass of Thanksgiving and Gratitude August 12; that Mass will be videotaped and shown the next week on cable stations in the Mohawk Valley.

(To make a pledge, call 762-JUDE. Contributors who donate $1,000 can have their name placed on one of the 70 columns in the coliseum; those who donate $10,000 can have their name placed on one of the 72 doors or the Stations of the Cross.)

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