Mass at The Grotto

The Grotto weather on the day of our mass was, very likely, much like the day Mary first appeared to Bernadette in February 1858. It was cold, windy, and rainy. We closed the umbrella's to allow for better seeing of the altar. The carts for the malades were parked together where the malades could stay covered under the hoods of the carts along with plenty of blankets and rain shields. Archbishop Lori of Baltimore was the principle celebrant accompanied by the other bishops and priests. The statue of Mary on the rock wall slightly to the right is where Bernadette saw Our Lady. Every trip to the Grotto is special for all of us and in particular for the malades. This place was and is made holy by Mary's apparitions, the celebration of the Lord's Eucharist, and the presence of those who gather here in faith....most especially our malades.