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Above: Kate with Fr. Alvin Cabacang+, OSM, outside the Chapel of Mary.
What does The Grotto mean to you?
The Grotto is my spiritual home: It is a place where I experience deep peace, truly a place of sanctuary that feels like home, where I am in the arms of my holy Mother and her Son, Jesus.
When did you first visit?
My earliest visits to The Grotto were in the 1970s when my mother would visit me from Pennsylvania. I was not at that time any longer a practicing Catholic. However, my mother was a devoted Catholic so we went to Mass and walked the grounds. These visits gave us shared intimacy and deep love. When Mom passed in February 2001 I came to The Grotto to grieve and find healing and peace. I came to Sunday Mass celebrated by Fr. Jack Topper, and every week he spoke to the very concerns that were in my heart. So of course I had to keep coming back to hear what he would say next! I asked him if he would be my spiritual director and he declined, citing the demands of his administrative and rector responsibilities. He suggested I speak with Fr. Pat McNamara, a gentle, focused, compassionate advisor who supported me in finding my way back to the sacraments. I had the privilege of attending Fr. Pat's funeral Mass and burial at The Grotto.
I also found my voice, in a special way, thanks to The Grotto. The musicians who performed at Sunday Mass brought such Joy that I wanted to be able to sing with them. So I found a voice teacher, took singing lessons, and am now able to express my spirit in song. The music here is very beautiful and opens my heart to joy.
In addition to the personal spiritual experiences, I came every year to the Festival of Lights. Christmas midnight Mass was a highlight of the season for me. Also the special candlelight procession on the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, which is my birthday: This has always felt like a very special birthday gift, and I participate whenever I am in town on that day.
What is your favorite place?
Perhaps because of the association with my mother and our Blessed Mother, I am especially drawn to the St. Anne's Chapel. I also love to walk the labyrinth which is by the Peace Garden, another favorite place. The rose garden around the statue depicting Mary's Assumption draws me with its beauty and grace.
What would you like us to know?
The Grotto is a gift to me, to our city, and to our world. For me, it is truly a sanctuary and we are blessed to have this place in our community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve, as a volunteer during the Festival of Lights, as a past member of the Board, and as a lector and rosary leader at noon Mass on Sundays, and as a Friend of The Grotto. It is an honor and a privilege to contribute to this special sanctuary. Thank you to all who support its thriving through many challenges.
Below: Some of Kate's favorite places at The Grotto, beginning with the labyrinth.
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