Doris Drago, a 99-year-old resident of Springfield, spoke about her lifelong Catholic faith and the importance it has played in her life, according to an April 22 interview. Drago described how her devotion began in childhood and deepened through personal trials, including a pivotal novena she attended in Belleville in 1957.
Her story highlights the enduring role of faith for individuals and communities within the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. The diocese promotes Catholic education and encourages vocations to priesthood and religious life, according to the official website.
Drago said her parents were her first teachers in faith: “My mother and dad were my first teachers, as far as my faith goes.” She recalled attending Mass regularly with her family and learning prayer from an early age. A significant turning point came when she attended a novena at St. Henry’s Seminary after facing personal hardship. “Going to that first novena changed my whole life,” she said.
Over six decades, Drago completed sixty nine-day novenas and became deeply involved with the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville. Her volunteer work included leading Rosaries, distributing brochures, guiding visitors, and praying with pilgrims. “There was something about going to that shrine that always made me feel good,” she said.
Father Louis Studer described Drago as generous during his time as director at the shrine: “She volunteered to lead the Rosary every year for almost 50 years… handing out programs, greeting guests… very generous with donations.” Although health now prevents her from visiting the shrine or attending Mass regularly at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield—one of 129 parishes supported by the diocese—Drago continues daily prayers at home.
The Diocese maintains its Catholic Pastoral Center as a key facility for administration across its region spanning twenty-eight counties in central and southern Illinois; it also works to spread the Gospel through education and service initiatives according to its official website.
Reflecting on nearly a century of faithfulness despite illness or adversity—and having witnessed historic moments such as receiving Communion from St. Pope John Paul II—Drago offered advice: “Everything you have comes from almighty God. Be thankful when you go to bed at night for what He has given you this day.”
Thomas John Paprocki is currently bishop for this diocese according to its official website.
