Grotto
Construction
The grotto was constructed in 1910. The original grotto was designed by Raphael Knapp, OSB and was smaller than the one today. The grotto was first constructed out of smooth field stones.
Location
The grotto was constructed at the end of what came to be referred to as the grotto walk. The walk ran along the west end of the St. Joseph parish and the St. Benedict's Monastery cemeteries.
Redesign and Repairs
In 1939, the Grotto was redesigned and covered with larger granite rocks. After the redesign, the grotto more closely resembled the site for Our Lady of Lourdes in France, with the grotto itself roughly imitating a cave and a trickling stream. The redesign was complete with a statue of Bernadette.
Sometime after 1960 the statue of Bernadette disappeared. A new statue was installed during the centennial year, 2010.
In 2005 the grotto underwent repairs. Concrete was added to strengthen the structure. Because of this the stonework can no longer be seen from the back of the grotto.
Selected Bibliography:
- The Grotto's Centennial Brochure, from the St. Benedict's Monastery, 2010.
- Casper, Kathyrn, OSB. "Grotto Pilgrimage," Sisters of Saint Benedict's Monastery Blog, May 18, 2010.
See Also:
- Thomes, Mary. "The Grotto of Our Lady," These Gentle Communists, 1944, p. 3.
- [Photos], Facula, 1945, p. 5 and p. 41.
- McDonald, M. Grace, OSB. "With Lamps Burning," 1957.
- Saint Benedict's Monastery Visitor's Guide, 2000.