Sunday, February 7, 2010

Grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Maryland

Last year I made a brief but refreshing pilgrimage to the Grotto of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Maryland. I have written of the Grotto before, as a spot favored by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. I went there with my mother to pray for some special intentions and gain the Lourdes Jubilee Indulgence. The Grotto is a serene and beautiful spot even in the dead of winter. We were amazed at all the youth groups who were there, praying. On Saturday, there was Mass followed by confessions and Adoration. I confessed to an elderly priest, Fr. George Reed, whom I remembered from high school days. He had given me some helpful spiritual direction when I was seventeen; there he was at the Grotto, still hearing confessions after so many years. There are few things quite like a pilgrimage for putting everything in perspective. People come from all over to St. Mary's Mountain in order to find healing, peace, and inspiration, in the spirit of the original Lourdes in France.

Novena Prayer

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

8 comments:

Julygirl said...

I am Thankful for spots like this where one can walk with the Saints. Visiting these sort of places are crucial in the restoring of one's faith and fortitude. I think anyone could benefit by visiting these places and pass up The Hard Rock Cafe franchises.

elena maria vidal said...

Indeed. If the weather were not so bad in Maryland this winter, I would plan a pilgrimage there for Feb. 11. Maybe in the spring.

Adoro said...

There is also a Lourdes Shrine in the Cleveland area run by the Trinitarian Sisters. Beautiful place and I highly recommend visiting it.

Ellen DeRosa said...

There is also beautiful replica of Lourdes in Litchfield, CT. I live 10 minutes away and have come to pray and worship many times. It is truly beautiful, and its surrounding lands are spectacular. There are acres that one can walk and experience the beauty of Litchfield County. During the spring, summer and fall seasons, many groups come from NY, NY and MASS to pray and spend the day there, accompanied by lots of picnic lunches. There is a cafe and a gift shop associated with it, too. When you make a weekend trip, why not consider Lourdes in Litchfield as one of your destinations?

elena maria vidal said...

Thanks for the helpful recommendations!

Anthony said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ellen DeRosa said...

Lourdes in Litchfield is operated by the Montfort Fathers - St. Louis de Montfort started it - and they have a beautiful estate at the top of the hill. It began in 1948 after they built the replica of Lourdes. They have been there that long!

elena maria vidal said...

It sounds wonderful.

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