Today marks the 5th anniversary of the dedication of Mary’s Grotto at Benedictine College. Set just below some of Benedictine College’s most prominent buildings, next to its most famous walkway and visible from many places throughout the campus, Mary’s grotto truly is the heart of Benedictine College. St. Benedict’s College (one of the precursors of Benedictine College) was founded by the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey in 1858, the year that the Blessed Virgin Mary made her appearance at Lourdes. It seems highly providential that in that year, a college that would soon be dedicated to Mary’s intercession would be founded in America. Mary’s Grotto is therefore modeled off of Notre Dame’s grotto, which is modeled off of the Grotto at Lourdes. I wanted to share some pictures from that day 5 years ago, which I was blessed to attend.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
The Slave of the Immaculate 