Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto was built in 1904, to mark the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a replica of the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. It is a special place for private and communal prayer and reflection.

The Reverand J.G. Bednarek, a priest from the Archdioces of Chicago and living temporarily at the Villa, designed the structure. He worked right along with the laborers in the construction effort, quarrying much of the stone and installing the electrical wiring to illuminate the structure for nightime processions.

The grotto was dedicated on December 7, 1904, and the following evening, sisters, novices, students, and orphan children all joined in the first outdoor procession with hymns and prayers in honor of Our Lady, inaugurating a devotional custom that was observed henceforth, on the principal feasts of Our Lady.

Most recently, the Grotto has served as the Altar of Repose on Holy Thursday night, when all of the faithful accompany the Blessed Sacrament to its temporary resting place, until the celebration of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night.