Waterbury, Connecticut: Holy Land USA
A long-closed attraction that became more interesting as it decayed. Opened in 1958, closed for decades, it is gradually being restored.
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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]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 StoryHoly 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]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]The order of Nuns who own Holy Land USA, Waterbury, CT, have gone public about the first plans to "restore" the closed and decimated religious theme park. Unfortunately, at this time it appears to only include the installation of a single life-size Virgin Mary statue.
... [01/30/2000] Complete News Story[Previous 5 items] Page of 5 [Next 4 items]
Holy Land USA
- Address:
- Slocum Road, Waterbury, CT
- Directions:
- Overlooks I-84 and the Brass Mill Center. Heading east, I-84 exit for S. Main St. -- stay straight on McMahon St., turn right on Baldwin St. then left on Pleasant St, which turns left on Emerald, then go right on Ayers St. to end. Private property, often gated; please be respectful.
- RA Rates:
- Worth a Detour
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