Our Grotto

The inspiration for our grotto came on a trip to northern France. The region of Brittany is dotted with many shrines of all shapes and sizes, and many are built around ancient roadside watering holes and natural springs.

 

It was at one such shrine in the village of Le Chappelle Neuve on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 15th of August 2019, that the idea for the parish grotto began to take shape. The faithful of Brittany always make a special occasion of this feast day with Holy Mass, a procession, and a party afterwards with local produce and a glass of Breton cider.

 

Construction of our sanctuary began later that year on the 5th of November 2019 and was officially opened and consecrated on the 14th of August 2022, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by the Right Reverend Joseph Toal, Bishop of Motherwell.

 

This grotto was designed by Father Thomas J. Devlin, Parish Priest, and built by Mr C. Carrick & Co and the garden was planted by parish volunteers. Our grateful thanks go to our generous donors and to all who supported the construction of this sacred space.

 

The grotto is visited daily by parishioners, school children and their parents and passers-by. We hope you enjoy looking through the photographs of the opening ceremony and that you will find the time to visit the grotto.

 

Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.