Nested in the mountains adjacent to Mount Saint Mary's College, this is a beautiful place to visit. The Visitors' Center sets the stage for your visit with a brief history of the construction as well as the current situation. Gardens, statuary, winding paths, a chapel and small niches flank the grotto so there are places to think and reflect. The grotto at the end of the central path is interesting in itself with a history of a man with a vision as intriguing.
I've been coming to the grotto since I was a child, and every time I'm overcoming with the feeling of peace and serenity. To walk in the footsteps of a saint is truly humbling.
Very historical and meditating to learn about the life of christ. If going take time out for at least one or two hours to see everything.
The magnificent gold statue of Mary beckons the traveler to this lovely mountain retreat. Many changes are in evidence since our first visit long ago. A large Visitor's Center with gift shop, for example. Improvements were necessitated by the increased number of visitors. But I miss the earlier simplicity of the shrine and grotto. Ample parking and a small shuttle are available, but wear comfortable shoes.. There is noon Mass in the glass enclosed chapel and the liturgy incorporates both English and Latin. The sermon was the only jarring aspect of the visit as it was unnecessarily divisive and potentially offensive where it might have been inclusive and welcoming. Most definitely not Pope Francis'concept of evangelization. It was difficult to shake off this hurtful stain on the beautiful day in God's mountains shared with believers from many nations.
This is a regular stop for me when I am in Frederick County and I very much enjoy time spent here. I will say that it has become more commercialized over the years with the addition of the gift shop and small exhibit, but I understand that funding needs to be addressed so I can live with this. Once you are on the paths of the Grotto that is left behind. One thing I do think needs to be addresses is the amount of handicap parking. All parking with the exception of two handicap spaces right at the entrance of the Grotto is now on the other side of the cemetery. Fortunately when I stopped yesterday there was a handicap space open, had it not been I would not have been able to visit. More handicap spaces are definitely needed!
If you are Catholic and want to see Catholic History in real time, visit Emmitsburg, the Grotto of Lourdes, Mt. St. Mary's University, and the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Catholic history is alive here!
Beautiful retreat with many statues/displays to see. Definitely want to see the visitors center first to get a map of the entire grotto area.
We were traveling through this area on our way to newport, Rhode Island when we happened upon this amazing place. We visited out of curiosity and were blessed beyond measure. The site includes beautiful gardens, prayer areas, the shrine, the grotto, and a lovely chapel. You would just have to go there to believe it. Highly recommend if you are in the area, whether you are Catholic or not.
I visited the Grotto on a cold day but it was still very beautiful to see. It is a very peaceful place and you can pray and admire the Lourdes grotto and all the other religious statues. The chapel is cozy and inviting and the mass was great. The gift shop is full of wonderful items and there is a great variety of religious gifts. I want to come back to the Lourdes grotto again sometime.
If one wants to go to a place for prayer where there is serenity and peace, then visit this place. A must see for devotees of Our Lady of Lourdes.