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Mogadore, Ohio: Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

About Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mogadore, Ohio:

When Rev. Edward Spitzig arrived at St. Joseph in 1926 to assume his charge as pastor, he found a splendid rural church and a newly erected school and Sisters’ convent on the well-kept grounds. To the rear of the rectory, where an earlier church had stood on the hill, there was a gravel pit
In a letter to Bishop Joseph B. Schrembs of Cleveland, Father Spitzig said, “Ever since I put foot on this ground, I have had this thought in mind – I see it by day – I dream of it by night.”  Father Spitzig’s plan was presented to Bishop Schrembs, who was agreeable as long as it conformed in every detail to the shrine in France.

On February 11, 1927, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the children of the parish marched in procession into the crowded church carrying a miniature of the Grotto and sang the famous Lourdes hymns with great gusto. Bishop Schrembs confirmed 82 children on April 12, 1927 and then proceeded solemnly to the hill to break ground for the Grotto.

Mr. John Winterich, the architect, spent some weeks in France and returned with drawings and measurements to begin the actual work of building this Lourdes replica. The result is an exact replica of the famous grotto at Lourdes, France. It is a favored destination of parishioners and pilgrims for prayer and devotion to Our Lady.

There are outdoor Masses in the summer, depending upon weather of course.

Every year on August 13, 14 and 15, St. Joseph Parish celebrates the Triduum of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Mass celebrated outdoors (weather permitting) each evening, followed by a candlelight rosary procession.

It is also a wonderful settings for outdoor weddings (since it is consecrated ground it is perfectly acceptable whereas backyard or beach weddings are not).

Adjacent to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at St. Joseph’s Church is a reflection and prayer patio, with a beautiful, serene waterfall.  Surrounding the Grotto at St. Joseph’s Church are outdoor Stations of the Cross. Winding up and around the Grotto, the Stations path offers a quiet, reflective opportunity to follow Our Lord’s footsteps through His passion and death.

All are welcome to come and spend time surrounded by the quiet, peaceful sounds and scenes of this special place.

Traveling to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mogadore:

Address:  2643 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore, Ohio 44260

Tel:  (Rectory) +1 (330) 628-9941 8:00 am – 4:00 p.m.    Fax +1 (330) 628-9942

email: sandy@stjosephrandolph.org

Click here for the official website of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mogadore, Ohio
 

 

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