Waterbury, Connecticut: Holy Land USA

A long-closed attraction that became more interesting as it decayed.

Holy Land, USA

Recently, the Republican-American (a newspaper in Waterbury) reported that the gigantic, illuminated cross atop Holy Land USA is going to be coming down in February, 2008 due to disrepair and vandalism. There are plans in the works to replace it, but if it is replaced, the new cross will either be outlined in light or illuminated by spotlights. It will not be the plexiglass, internally lit structure it is now.

[Ashleigh Doherty, 01/21/2008]

Holy Land USA

I read about Holy Land USA and how it looked, but I needed to take my grandkids and myself there. I was very excited about this trip, but when I got there I was in shock how the town and the community has let this beautiful place go down to what it looks like now.

The city and the community should get involved to bring this back. In this time with the wars etc., to have a piece of the Holy Land here in this country is a good idea. I think more people would come to see this and leave with a feeling that they got to see Holy Land in the USA. Please let me know how I can write to somebody how important it is to fix Holy Land USA.

[maria, 07/30/2007]

Holy Land USA Renovation Project promises to resurrect landmark

An important tourist landmark may be brought back from beyond the brink of ruin, if the Renovation Project for Holy Land USA succeeds in its plans. The organization is working to clean up and restore the Waterbury, CT religious attraction to some of creator John Greco's original vision.

... [11/18/2001] Complete News Story

Holy Land USA - Relic

Regarding your site and the [visitor] comments about progress or lack there of at Holy Land USA. I have information as to the nature of the Relic mentioned by one of your commentators.

I feel like I am betraying a big secret, but if news of this never gets out, then nothing is ever going to happen.

In 1947, the Virgin Mary appeared to a man in Tre Fontaine, Italy, name Bruno Cornacchiola. He was about to assassinate the Pope, and she facilitated his conversion, and he became like a new St. Paul. She appeared as "The Virgin of Revelation", in a long green mantle with a bible in her hands, barefoot and standing on a rock. This apparition has been approved by the local bishop.

The pope has commissioned three statues in her likeness: one in Rome, one in Australia, and the other is here in Waterbury, currently in the chapel at Holy Land USA. It is eventually supposed to be placed in a grotto to be built outside, but only after renovations occur. And the money cannot be solicited, advertised, or generated via church donations... "How, then?", I asked the Provincial Superior. "Through prayer," she replied.. "You've got to be kidding, right? How is that going to work?" "Well, you're here, aren't you?"

It is supposed to become a font of conversion and healing, and I believe it. My guess is its low profile is in order to remain ecumenical, and attract as many Christian and non-Christian denominations as possible. I am an early result of exactly that. It changed my life forever.

[Mark A. Bassett, 07/30/2000]

Holy Land USA - New Sign?

Last night I drove through Waterbury, CT on 84 West, and Holy Land USA has a new sign - it says "holyland" in gothic-like lettering, in glowing blue neon! The sign is right below the glowing cross on the slope. Those nuns must be up to something.

[Dway, 03/13/2000]