Submitted by Rev. Joy Vadakkan Poulose CFIC
“Grotto of the Immaculate Conception” at Holy Name Parish in Vermilion, AB.
New features of the Grotto:
- The new Marian statue faces to the south side, to the front entrance and parking lots
- A beautiful Pergola stands with new stamped concrete leading to its base
- Benches on either side are for people to sit and pray (The benches are made with the pieces of the old trees that were at the grotto before)
- Automated lights and fixtures
- Trees, rose and grass bushes
The Marian statue and brown base were installed in 1988 at Holy Name Church with the help of the Knights of Columbus and parishioners. As years went by it was showing its age.
The Knights of Columbus of the Holy Name Church had the desire for many years to refurbish the statue and make it more appealing. Finally, in 2020, we decided to replace the old Marian statue (which had lost the details due to age and repainting many times) and renovate the base along with new landscaping.
In 2021, we were fortunate enough to get the same model, Immaculate Conception Statue, to replace the old one, and so completed the basic works. The benches were installed in 2022.
Since the Grotto had no specific name so far, we decided to name it as the “Grotto of the Immaculate Conception” to honor the Immaculate Mother.
The Blessing and Dedication of the grotto will take place on August 14, 2022.
Schedule:
10:30 a.m.: Rosary at the Grotto
10:50 a.m.: Grotto Blessing and Dedication
11:00 a.m.: Holy Mass
11:50 a.m.: CWL 100th Anniversary
12:15 p.m.: Parish Day celebrations with lunch.
All are welcome to join us for the celebrations, and pray at our grotto to receive the blessings of the Immaculate Mother!