150th Anniversary Celebration Planned for Grotto Cave

Organized by The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on the campus of Mount St. Mary's University

EMMITSBURG, Md., Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on the campus of Mount St. Mary's University, in Emmitsburg, Maryland announces the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the completion of the Grotto Cave. Built by Mount St. Mary's Seminarians in 1875, the Grotto Cave is the oldest replica, in the United States, of the Grotto Cave in Lourdes, France where Our Blessed Mother appeared to St. Bernadette confirming the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. As in Lourdes, where miraculous waters flow, on September 20th pilgrims are invited to visit the National Shrine Grotto and experience a Virtual Pilgrimage to Lourdes led by Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers. Please see the National Shrine Grotto website for a full slate of enriching weekend events beginning on Saturday, September 20th and concluding with Holy Mass at the historic National Shrine Grotto Cave on Sunday, September 21st at 12:00 PM.

Pilgrims can begin the weekend celebration with Adoration of Our Blessed Lord at 10:45 AM along with Confession and the option to obtain a Plenary Indulgence for the visit to the Shrine. Additionally, the National Shrine Grotto will be blessed by the visit of the St. Agnes Schola from West Chester, PA as this talented group will cantor for the noon Mass followed by the Rosary in St. Mary's Chapel. On Saturday, the National Shrine Grotto is also hosting featured guest and author of, "Everyday Miracles of Lourdes," Marlene Watkins who will speak at 2:00 PM. Marlene will then autograph copies of her book in the Grotto Visitor Gift Shop. To continue the day, a Vigil Holy Mass will be celebrated at 4:00 PM in St. Mary's Chapel. Following Mass, pilgrims will be able to participate in an incredible experience, a Virtual Pilgrimage to Lourdes starting at 6:00 PM in St. Mary's Chapel including a beautiful candlelight Rosary Procession to the Grotto Cave. Visit www.nsgrotto.org/Cave150 for more details. It is requested that pilgrims sign up at the link for planning purposes as those in attendance will receive a free bottle of Lourdes water. There is no cost to attend this amazing experience. Free will offerings are accepted.

Holy Mass on Sunday, September 21st will be held outdoors at the Grotto Cave celebrating and commemorating 150 years. Mount St. Mary's Seminary Schola led by Fr. Michael O'Connor, O.P. will cantor for the outdoor Mass at the historic Grotto. More information about the weekend celebration events can be found on the National Shrine Grotto website www.nsgrotto.com or call (301) 447-5318.

SOURCE Mount St. Mary's University