Kentucky Attorney General Supports Catholic Parish in Legal Battle Over Shrine Construction Amid Controversy
In an era marked by moral confusion and societal upheaval, the faithful of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Park Hills, Kentucky, find themselves at the center of a profound legal and spiritual struggle. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has taken a decisive stance in supporting the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist in their lawsuit against Covington city authorities, advocating for the right to establish a grotto shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. This shrine, envisioned as a place of refuge and prayer, stands as a beacon of hope for the faithful, who see in this project a powerful expression of their devotion to the traditional teachings of the Church.
The struggle intensified in January 2024, when Bishop John Iffert of the Diocese of Covington suspended the faculties of Father Shannon Collins and Father Sean Kopczynski, two dedicated priests with the Missionaries of St. John the Baptist, effectively barring them from public ministry. The suspension reportedly stemmed from concerns about their leadership and their unapologetic defense of traditional Catholic liturgy. Many parishioners, however, view these actions as disproportionate. Despite the trials they have faced, both priests have responded with patience and humility, refraining from criticism of their bishop as is often commonplace from other “canceled” priests.
In a remarkable turn of events, around the time of the priests’ removal of faculties, a spring emerged beneath the church parking lot. Confirmed authentic by experts, this spring quickly became a focal point for the parish community, who interpret it as a sign of divine grace and consolation amid their hardship. The faithful at Our Lady of Lourdes have come to view the spring as a blessing from Our Lady herself, offering hope and reassurance in a time of deep spiritual need. It is also of note that the timing of the spring also corresponded to the same dates roughly in the month of February as the original apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes France.
For the parish community, the struggle to build the grotto has been long and riddled with obstacles. Ironically, opposition to the project has come from neighbors, some of which identify as “Catholic,” who have used their influence to block the shrine’s construction for years. This resistance has brought to mind the words of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, who once remarked that she feared nothing except “bad Catholics.” Many see this opposition as an echo of that sentiment, highlighting the challenges that the faithful often face, not only from outside the Church but even from within.
In addition to the dismissal of their priests and the challenges surrounding the grotto project, parishioners have expressed concern about Bishop Iffert’s support for groups advocating positions contrary to Church teaching, including “Catholics Embracing All God’s Children”, an organization promoting acceptance of same-sex unions. Parishioners are puzzled by this seeming contradiction: their devoted priests face severe discipline for their adherence to tradition, while advocacy for values antithetical to Catholic doctrine appears to receive tacit approval. Efforts to voice their concerns and request clemency for Fathers Collins and Kopczynski have reportedly been met with dismissiveness, from diocesan authorities announcing they will no longer respond to letters or inquiries regarding the priests’ status.
Despite these trials, Attorney General Coleman’s support for their cause has renewed the community’s hope. In a public statement, Coleman affirmed the right of the faithful to exercise their religion freely, asserting, “It’s not up to the courts to decide how we exercise our religion in this country.” His words have struck a deep chord among the parishioners, whose dream of establishing the grotto has endured through years of opposition. The grotto, alongside the mysterious spring, has come to symbolize their devotion and their desire to create a refuge in revolutionary times.
In an era of “diabolical disorientation,” marked by social and moral confusion, even at times affecting members of the church and hierarchy, the faithful at Our Lady of Lourdes view their parish as a bastion of resilience and devotion to Catholic tradition. An immovable rock surrounded by the floods of revolution and evolution. They remain steadfast, committed to the perennial teachings of the church and remain, so to speak, “in the niche” with the Blessed Virgin Mary as their great advocate.
As they await the court’s decision on the grotto, they continue to draw strength from the spring—a sign, they believe, of Our Lady’s intercession. For the faithful, this battle for the grotto has come to represent much more than a simple construction project; it is a testament to their unyielding dedication to the Catholic Faith and to the hope that their perseverance will one day bear fruit, creating a refuge of prayer and sanctuary for all who seek solace amid the challenges of the modern world.
At Christ the King Action Ministries, we stand with Our Lady of Lourdes parish in their struggle to establish a true spiritual refuge. In times like these, the Church sorely lacks priests like Father Father Shannon Collins and Sean Kopczynski—heroic men committed to the cause of Christ the King, humble servants of Mary, and exemplary shepherds who have shown nothing but fidelity and dedication to their flock. Their patience, humility, and steadfastness are deeply inspiring, reminding us of the many saints who have endured similar trials with unwavering orthodoxy and filial love for the Church, even under difficult authority.
Their example shines as a testament to the kind of masculine, heroic priesthood the Church needs. We hope and pray that Bishop Iffert will come to recognize the invaluable gift he has in these priests and appreciate the spiritual fortress they have built within this parish community. The emergence of the spring and the hopeful prospect of the grotto stand as visible signs of grace in challenging times. May these symbols of divine consolation continue to fortify Our Lady of Lourdes parish and inspire a revival of faithful devotion, bringing refuge and hope to the Catholic faithful in northern Kentucky and beyond.
Viva Cristo Rey!