Visiting the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Emmitsburg, Maryland

The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Maryland, is the oldest replica of the famous Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Lourdes, France. The Lourdes Shrine grotto in Maryland dates back to 1805. Father John DuBois, of France, came to St. Mary's Mountain - in Emmitsburg - and built a church called St. Mary's on the Hill.

The History of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in Maryland

As the Lourdes shrine website says, Father DuBois saw 'a light on the mountain and found a blessed spot, one of the loveliest in the world and there erected a rude cross, the symbol of the holy work he was undertaking. This was the original Grotto.'

A few years later, (Saint) Elizabeth Ann Seton visited the site to take up temporary residence with Fr. DuBois while her house was being built in nearby St. Joseph's Valley. It is thought that the earliest reference to this sacred site as a grotto was in 1810, when Elizabeth Ann Seton used the term in a letter she wrote in reference to the what we now know as the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Father Simon Gabriel Brute began working on further beautifying the Lourdes shrine grotto in 1812. He and a team of other loving souls took the effort to install pathways that link the grotto and the church. They also cleared away trees and helped lay the foundation for the lovely gardens and winding footpaths that now make the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes shrine the heavenly serene place that it is today. In 1958, after restoration efforts by Monsignor Hugh J. Phillips, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes shrine opened for all to visit.

In 1965, The Archbishop of Maryland made Msgr. Phillips chaplain of the Lourdes shrine grotto. Since then, thousands of pilgrims and worshippers have visited the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes shrine.

Visiting the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

Be sure you have plenty of drinks and non-perishable food with you because there are relatively few major restaurants or places to stop nearby Our Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes shrine. Allow at least two hours to take the time to truly explore the gardens and trails at the Lourdes shrine. There are prayer kneelers near the grotto. In the grotto cave is the Lady of Lourdes statue and hundreds of votive candles that you may light for a small donation.

You will want to visit the Corpus Christi Chapel, located midway between the main parking area and the grotto cave. Further along the foot trail just past the grotto cave is the Calvary crucifix. The Stations of the Cross and Mysteries of the Rosary can be viewed along the two main trails between the parking area and the Corpus Christi Chapel.

While you should dress appropriately and reverently for visiting Our Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, make sure you wear sturdy shoes. Most of the Lourdes shrine site is quite hilly. Many areas of the foot trails meander along some rather steep inclines and declines. Have a wheelchair handy for those who may need assistance getting around Lourdes shrine, and take along a stroller if bringing young children.

There is no admission charge to visit Our Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, but donations are always humbly accepted. Be sure you check out the website for Our Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes for a schedule of special gatherings which take place at Lourdes shrine throughout the year.

The regular visiting hours for the Lourdes shrine are 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM from April through September and 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM during October through March.

Mass is held at 12:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Confessions are heard on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

The Lourdes shrine grotto in Maryland is tucked away on a massive hillside in the Catoctin Mountains. Emmitsburg is located just south of the Pennsylvania state border along U.S. Route 15. Route 15 travels north and south between Interstates 70 and 76 and traces drivers through Gettysburg and Thurmont, Maryland. Frederick, Maryland, is a large town about 25 miles to the south of the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes shrine and is at the juncture of I-70 and U.S. 15.

Look for signs along U.S. 15 for the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes shrine near Mount St. Mary's University just south of Emmitsburg. After you have made the westbound turn off U.S. 15, make a left onto St. Anthony's Road and then proceed right onto Grotto Road.

Resources

Personal and first-hand knowledge and experience
The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes shrine website