Mass at the Grotto of our Lady

Saturday morning was the Mass at the Grotto of our Lady. The principal celebrant was Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit, formerly the bishop of Oakland. The blue carts we use to transport the Malades from the hotel to the Sanctuary and to the various liturgies and events are all parked side by side in front of the the altar....about 175. Masses n the Grotto are running almost non stop from early morning until late in to the evening. I attended one mass after midnight in a previous year when I was unable to sleep. The altar is tucked back into the cave. I did not participate in this mass as a Deacon in order to stay with our Malade for the day. It gave me the opportunity to casually observe the the Malades and their caregivers in prayer. There is something very special and tender in the intensity of their focus, the tender glances of appreciation and care given to one another and of course another simple yet profound demonstration of faith. Side note, Emma Conners from our parish at St. Raymond was asked to accompany Archbishop Vigneron while he distributed Holy Communion. Kind of like his wing "person"! Very cool.