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Centennial Opening Mass Today
The Grotto kicks off its Centennial Celebration this weekend as we begin the 100th year of the historic shrine.
The 100th Anniversary will feature a year’s worth of celebrations, including concerts, new exhibits, special events and community service.
The Centennial kicks off today with an Opening Mass at noon in The Grotto Plaza, as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Father Eugene Smith, OSM, Prior Provincial of the Order of Servants of Mary, will preside.
Offering a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city, The Grotto is a place of peace, prayer and natural beauty for all people. It was founded in 1924 by Servite Friar Ambrose Mayer, who fulfilled a childhood promise to build a shrine to Mary when his prayers for his mother’s health were answered. Since that
day, The Grotto has welcomed visitors from all corners of the world, who come to enjoy the serene and scenic oasis. Fifty-four acres of forest and wildlife provide an inspiring backdrop for world class art and architecture.
Upcoming celebrations include the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on Saturday, Oct. 7. Everyone is welcome to meet in the Upper Gardens immediately after the noon Mass to pray the Dolor Rosary along the Via Matris path. (In case of inclement weather, this activity will take place inside the Chapel of Mary.)
Future activities include special guided tours, promotional days in the gardens, and the grandest Christmas Festival of Lights. Community service activities will fill January and February, with the goal of collecting more than 100 units of blood for the Red Cross, and more than 100 coats and blankets for local charities.
Summer concerts and activities will highlight next year, including the September 2024 opening and blessing of the new Interpretive Center at The Grotto. The current visitor center is being transformed into an inspiring and educational interpretive center, designed to appeal to all ages, and a great
destination for retreats and school field trips. For more information about this project, contact Jane Tokito at jtokito@thegrotto.org.
The Grotto’s Centennial Celebration will culminate next year with an Anniversary Outdoor Mass on Sept. 15, 2024. Archbishop Alexander Sample, will preside at this very special event.
For more information about all upcoming events, or to inquire about out how you can be a part of this special occasion, go to thegrotto.org, or contact events@thegrotto.org.
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