Mount St. Mary’s Grotto | Frederick

Mount St. Mary’s Grotto, officially known as the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, is a revered Catholic pilgrimage site located on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Nestled on the eastern slope of Catoctin Mountain, this sanctuary is one of the oldest replicas of the Lourdes Grotto in the United States and a tranquil site of reflection, prayer, and spiritual heritage.

Historical Significance

The grotto’s origins date back to 1805, when Father John DuBois, a French-born priest and founder of Mount St. Mary’s College and Seminary, discovered a peaceful spot in the mountain forest featuring a rock outcrop and spring. Believing it to be a place of divine inspiration, he erected a wooden cross, consecrating the area to the Virgin Mary. It soon became a site of contemplation for seminarians and the surrounding Catholic community.

This early devotion was later carried forward by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American to be canonized. After arriving in Emmitsburg in 1809, she frequently visited the grotto with her students, praying and teaching in the natural surroundings. Her presence and spiritual impact solidified the grotto’s sacred character.

In 1875, seminarians constructed a stone grotto modeled after the original Grotto of Lourdes in France, which had gained popularity following the Marian apparitions to Saint Bernadette in 1858. This effort established the site’s identity as a Marian shrine.

Spiritual Features and Layout

The grounds span more than 60 acres of forested hillside, combining natural elements, devotional art, and architectural features. It’s a place designed for quiet reflection and sacred pilgrimage, with multiple stops along a carefully designed devotional path.

The Grotto Cave

The centerpiece is a stone replica grotto featuring a niche with a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, surrounded by candles, flowers, and benches for prayer. It is framed by a semicircle of stone seating, evoking the cave at Massabielle in Lourdes, France. Pilgrims often kneel at the base in quiet devotion or light votive candles.

Corpus Christi Chapel

Situated above the grotto, this small white chapel, completed in 1905, sits on the original site where Father DuBois first placed his cross. The chapel is serene and rustic, offering visitors a peaceful space for meditation and personal prayer.

The Pangborn Memorial Campanile

This striking 95-foot tower, completed in 1964, stands near the entrance and is topped with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary that shines across the valley. It serves as a visual beacon for those approaching the shrine and symbolizes the protective presence of Mary over the university and community.

Rosary Path and Devotional Shrines

One of the most immersive features of the site is the Rosary Lane, a stone-paved trail that winds uphill through the woods with fifteen markers representing the Mysteries of the Rosary (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious). Each station includes inscriptions, plaques, and artistic depictions that invite pilgrims to pray along the way.

Along the trails and pathways, visitors encounter numerous statues and shrines, including:

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Rock – the exact stone on which she is said to have sat in prayer.

Shrines to St. John Paul II, Padre Pio, St. Joseph, St. Faustina, and others.

The Glass Chapel (also known as the Chapel of St. Mary’s on the Hill), a contemporary structure offering panoramic mountain views through its transparent walls, often used for Mass and Eucharistic adoration.

Spring Water and Miraculous Association

The grotto includes a natural spring whose waters are collected by pilgrims, believed by some to hold healing properties due to the grotto’s spiritual association with Lourdes. The spring water is accessible via a spout at the base of the mountain path, and visitors frequently bring bottles to collect it.

Religious Events and Practices

The grotto hosts regular Catholic services:

Daily Mass (with additional weekend and Spanish-language Masses)

Confession and Eucharistic Adoration

Feast Day Celebrations, especially on August 15 (Feast of the Assumption) and February 11 (Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes)

Spiritual Retreats and Pilgrimages for schools, families, and individuals

Pilgrims can participate in various devotional activities:

Lighting votive candles

Leaving prayer intentions at designated stations

Walking the Stations of the Cross

Praying the Rosary along the trail

Visiting the gift shop and Visitor Center for devotional items, literature, and information

Atmosphere and Natural Setting

The site offers a distinct sense of calm and sacredness. Towering trees, mossy stone walls, and the gentle sound of trickling water create a sanctuary feel. Seasonal changes enhance its appeal:

In spring and summer, the grounds bloom with wildflowers and landscaped gardens.

In autumn, the changing leaves transform the hillside into a vibrant tapestry.

In winter, the shrine takes on a solemn, peaceful character under snow and quiet.

Benches, lanterns, and manicured gardens are placed strategically to encourage rest, contemplation, and scenic appreciation. Birdsong and fresh mountain air add to the experience of spiritual immersion.

Visitor Information

Location: 16330 Grotto Road, Emmitsburg, MD.

Hours: Grounds open daily from approximately 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Accessibility: Walkways are well-maintained, though some trails are moderately steep; portions are wheelchair accessible.

Parking: Available on-site near the entrance.

Recommended Visit Time: 1 to 2 hours, depending on the level of exploration and prayer.

Cultural and Religious Importance

This grotto is more than a tourist site-it’s a living place of faith for Catholics across the U.S., especially in the Mid-Atlantic. Its ties to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the early days of Catholicism in America make it a historical pilgrimage site. At the same time, its peaceful beauty draws those of all backgrounds seeking solace, inspiration, or spiritual renewal.

Conclusion

Mount St. Mary’s Grotto in Emmitsburg is a rare blend of historic sacred space, natural sanctuary, and active pilgrimage site. Rooted in early American Catholicism and inspired by the apparitions of Lourdes, it continues to offer visitors a tranquil and spiritually enriching experience. Whether approached with religious devotion or simply a desire for stillness and reflection, it stands as a treasured destination of peace, prayer, and purpose.