|
In the winter of 1972, I was making changes. I was in my early 20s ... new places to work, new places to see. Snow had fallen on the ground. I was driving along in my old hippie white Studebaker with flowered decals on all sides. My mission was to spread peace, love and happiness everywhere. I had a calling from God to help the elderly, mentally challenged, and disabled.
The sign "The Grotto" caught my eye when I turned off 82nd onto Sandy Blvd. As I turned into the entrance with the beautiful Crucifix of Jesus facing towards me, beauty could not describe the infinite levels of love, appreciation, and inspiration I felt, leading me to experience the fourteen bronze sculpted Stations of the Cross and my Savior’s life. I felt Jesus’ physical and emotional endurance before and at his crucifixion and resurrection. The impact on me, being so near and so precise by the sculptor’s hand, helped me to receive the power of God and be in sisterly, good company with my Savior, defining the life of Jesus with such power and expression.
From the early 2000s through 2024, I made trips to the Gift Shop at The Grotto. I was searching for something special, a Holy Card, or a St. Peregrine candle, because he brought life back to my legs and back when I had two bouts of polio and my knee replacement operation. He brought life to my great niece who had to be on ventilators when she was born, my sister for her hip operation, and my great-grandchild Gracie and her mom Naomi when their life was in danger. St. Peregrine answered my prayers.
I talked with a very sweet Sister at the cashier counter at the gift store. She was a guide to me and I felt my heart opening up to her. Her name was Sister Dorothy. I received many of her healing prayers for my friends and family. And I was able to have the good Father Leo bless our mustard seeds for healing, safety and protection.
When I was well and could walk steady with my cane, I would purchase a senior token to go to the Upper Gardens. I’d walk from the Gift Shop with the Statue of Jesus greeting me amongst the green scenery and tall viridian green trees. He held the wooden cross leaning against his shoulder peering his head from the place where crown of thorns set and holding his other arm out, pointing to the light, the truth, the way ... love, life forgiveness.
I was inspired so much by Father Leo and Father Edgar’s sermons and joining in communion that I made a calendar of both of them and their journey and their kind influence here. They helped me to draw closer to my creator and my faith.
I have so many favorite memories at the Grotto, I cannot count. I enjoy the Festival of Lights with my grandkids, listening to the choirs, watching the fun puppet show. On the upper level meditating with the Pieta, feeling unity, harmony, gratefulness, and sorrow with St. Mary in her gorgeous red house, and feeling our spiritual connection. The labyrinth, my home base where I studied for my speeches making every word and every brick count in my memory so I wouldn’t forget. All the shrines, and St. Francis.
What a beautiful place, and I felt so welcomed there.
Peace to the World.
Below: The Christus Statue and the tall viridian trees.
| 
