Blessing to Share
10/13/2023- Here is my story....
My story continues… Tomorrow is Friday, Oct 13th. Most people consider this a day of darkness, not me. Tomorrow will be a day filled with faith, hope & light. I will continue my journey to soon be cancer free. I am having a radical resection of my right thigh to remove sarcoma from my leg. I am optimistic & feeling ready for this surgery spiritually, mentally & physically. In fact, I have been preparing all summer. God & Mary have been by my side in so many ways since my diagnosis . I am so overwhelmed with gratitude. I am surrounded by a family who loves me so much, friends who have reached out with such kindness (you know who you are), I am forever grateful! I am receiving my care at JHU (they specialize in sarcomas). I will be in the care of some of the the best doctors in a world renowned hospital only 20 min from home.
Prayer is so powerful, God & Mary heard everyone’s prayers. First of all, the cancer did not spread. I have to tell you , during my full body scan, there was music playing in the background, I couldn’t really hear it because of the machine noise , but at the beginning I very clearly heard the song lyrics about hold on & at the very end of the scan, it happened again. This time, the lyrics were about waiting for a miracle. Next, when I went to have my MRI , my MRI Technician was a friend of mine from St. Clare Parish (what a comfort). Now let me tell you about my radiation. It was hard , but after 5 weeks of radiation, I had NO SKIN IRRITATION. The doctors said they have NEVER seen skin not have some reaction. They wanted to know what I was doing. I was blessing my leg before radiation with holy water from the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes & saying the Hail Mary. I drove myself to radiation (my choice)even though pushing the gas pedal gave me discomfort. In a weird way, being able to take myself gave me comfort. Okay… I know this post is long, but if I can continue… this stupid tumor is sitting on my muscle & directly up against my femoral artery. You would think walking would be an issue. Walking has been the most therapeutic thing for me. I thank God for this! If you know me, you know I love to be outside with nature. My husband has walked at least a mile everyday with me (even in rain). During our walks I was blessed to have God quietly speak to me through nature. I just needed to tune in. I always thought when God spoke , I would physically see him with a grand entrance.
I have figured out , he comes to us in many ways. I now know nature reveals truths to us about God because he created this beautiful world. My walks reminded me of this quote, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”. I have seen some of most beautiful sights in nature, beautiful sunsets, butterflies, sunflowers & deer (Piebald), these all symbolize faith & transformation. I was able to really get up close to capture some of these amazing things. Is this a coincidence? I think not. Why do I share all this? To be a constant reminder to myself & others that life can be hard , but if you have FAITH & HOPE , it will bring you out of darkness. Life is full of beauty & kindness! Sometimes you just need to tune in “Turn your face to the sun, and shadows follow behind you." ??️☀️– Maori Proverb.
Please continue to send prayers & positive vibes for my continued strength during my recovery.
Update 11/21/2024: I am now 1 year cancer free.
10/13/2023- Here is my story....
My story continues… Tomorrow is Friday, Oct 13th. Most people consider this a day of darkness, not me. Tomorrow will be a day filled with faith, hope & light. I will continue my journey to soon be cancer free. I am having a radical resection of my right thigh to remove sarcoma from my leg. I am optimistic & feeling ready for this surgery spiritually, mentally & physically. In fact, I have been preparing all summer. God & Mary have been by my side in so many ways since my diagnosis . I am so overwhelmed with gratitude. I am surrounded by a family who loves me so much, friends who have reached out with such kindness (you know who you are), I am forever grateful! I am receiving my care at JHU (they specialize in sarcomas). I will be in the care of some of the the best doctors in a world renowned hospital only 20 min from home.
Prayer is so powerful, God & Mary heard everyone’s prayers. First of all, the cancer did not spread. I have to tell you , during my full body scan, there was music playing in the background, I couldn’t really hear it because of the machine noise , but at the beginning I very clearly heard the song lyrics about hold on & at the very end of the scan, it happened again. This time, the lyrics were about waiting for a miracle. Next, when I went to have my MRI , my MRI Technician was a friend of mine from St. Clare Parish (what a comfort). Now let me tell you about my radiation. It was hard , but after 5 weeks of radiation, I had NO SKIN IRRITATION. The doctors said they have NEVER seen skin not have some reaction. They wanted to know what I was doing. I was blessing my leg before radiation with holy water from the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes & saying the Hail Mary. I drove myself to radiation (my choice)even though pushing the gas pedal gave me discomfort. In a weird way, being able to take myself gave me comfort. Okay… I know this post is long, but if I can continue… this stupid tumor is sitting on my muscle & directly up against my femoral artery. You would think walking would be an issue. Walking has been the most therapeutic thing for me. I thank God for this! If you know me, you know I love to be outside with nature. My husband has walked at least a mile everyday with me (even in rain). During our walks I was blessed to have God quietly speak to me through nature. I just needed to tune in. I always thought when God spoke , I would physically see him with a grand entrance.
I have figured out , he comes to us in many ways. I now know nature reveals truths to us about God because he created this beautiful world. My walks reminded me of this quote, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”. I have seen some of most beautiful sights in nature, beautiful sunsets, butterflies, sunflowers & deer (Piebald), these all symbolize faith & transformation. I was able to really get up close to capture some of these amazing things. Is this a coincidence? I think not. Why do I share all this? To be a constant reminder to myself & others that life can be hard , but if you have FAITH & HOPE , it will bring you out of darkness. Life is full of beauty & kindness! Sometimes you just need to tune in “Turn your face to the sun, and shadows follow behind you." ??️☀️– Maori Proverb.
Please continue to send prayers & positive vibes for my continued strength during my recovery.
Update 11/21/2024: I am now 1 year cancer free.
More than five years ago I started writing prayers and poems (pro-ems), and some are, I believe, quite well written. Having never written much before, I was a little puzzled. Many have told me they are from the Holy Spirit. Initially in denial of that, I eventually came around to accepting that explanation. In any case, I have now written approximately 900! I will continue to write for as long as the Holy Spirit moves me. I am blessed.
I went to the shrine after having lost my son 2016 . I spoke with a monk during my visit there,
To this day I don’t know how I could have managed my grief without the impact that conversation had on me
The shrine is a very special place to me and I know my son is safe in the arms of Christ
To this day I don’t know how I could have managed my grief without the impact that conversation had on me
The shrine is a very special place to me and I know my son is safe in the arms of Christ
Thanks to the prayers of family, friends and church members who I may never have the honor of meeting, my cancer has gone into remission for the second time in five years. I am grateful beyond measure for this extra time with my loved ones, and am using this gift to be a more thoughtful and giving person in carrying out God’s plan for me on earth. Trust in the Holy Spirit and miracles do happen.
Pray for my sister who has undergone breast cancer therapy and has had her malignant cells reduced by 3 cm. Healing starts at 6 cm and is done for Christ's glory.
I was healed of a 4 cm ovarian cyst. It just disappeared. My doctor confirmed that it was gone with a sonogram. This happened a long time ago on the Feast of Christ the King, I think in 1992.
Bernie's healing recovery from Covid
In 1994 my wife, mother of two young sons, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was our entire world. I was devastated. I was teaching a clas at the National Fire Academy in Emmittsburg. I knew about the National Shrine. I visited it and prayed, light a candle for Donna.
Our prayers were answered. To this day so thankful for the blessings recieved. ♥️
Our prayers were answered. To this day so thankful for the blessings recieved. ♥️
On June 3rd 2023, my husband and I came to the Grotto to just walk around and pray. He is Catholic and I am not. When we went to go walk up to the Grotto, a Sister allowed us to see and touch a first class relic of Bl. Stanley Rother. As soon as she held the relic up to me, I felt this incredible warmth, I was crying and crying. The warmth then went straight to my hips and I could feel Him healing them- now I have no problems with them.
I have never heard of this saint until now, so when I went into the shop to purchase a movie about Bl Rother, as soon as I picked up the DVD I felt that same heat but it was directed at my stomach. I had recently been having many stomach problems/digestive issues and again, He healed them. I feel so blessed and it was truly a miracle.
I have never heard of this saint until now, so when I went into the shop to purchase a movie about Bl Rother, as soon as I picked up the DVD I felt that same heat but it was directed at my stomach. I had recently been having many stomach problems/digestive issues and again, He healed them. I feel so blessed and it was truly a miracle.
Exactly a month after my trip to visit the Shrine Grotto, where I prayed, submitted a prayer request, lit a candle, and touched my daughter's miraculous medal necklace and her photo to the stone from Lourdes, her life turned around greatly for the better. She has epilepsy that affects her mobility several times a month, and she had to leave college a year earlier and didn't have a job or anything to do. A month after my visit, Anna started a full-time job at an epilepsy-friendly workplace. She is in a much better place - she is happier with something productive to do and a regular schedule. AND her epilepsy problems have subsided greatly and are hardly bothering her at all! It has made an enormous difference, and I am deeply grateful to Our Lady of Lourdes and to our Lord.
A SAINT SHARBEL MOMENT
We have come to know that Almighty God has manifested the power of Saint Sharbel’s intercession by numerous favors and miracles, and I wish to share a St. Sharbel miraculous moment with you.
The compassion of Saint Sharbel in this memorable story began in June of 2021 when I was invited to have dinner at my daughter, Kate’s house along with her husband, Matt and his parents, John and Jane who had traveled from Florida for a visit. John and Jane were just stopping by for a lay-over on a trip to see the birth of their grandchild. The birth of this child was very special as his parents’, Joe and Lucy had been trying to get pregnant for seven years. Finally, a baby had been conceived and was on his way.
The birth of a new baby is an exciting event, but sadly, a prenatal diagnosis through an ultrasound detected a rare congenital heart defect in which the heart’s lower two chambers, the ventricles, are reversed in their position. The right ventricle is on the left; and the left ventricle is on the right. This is a serious birth defect. It was anticipated that the baby would need immediate pediatric cardiac surgery by a team of experts. It was also expected that the infant would spend up to four weeks in the hospital for recovery after the procedure.
In catching up with John and Jane, as I’d not seen them for two years, I began to talk about Catholic shrine where I currently work. I talked about the pilgrims, the devotions, the shrines and the thanksgiving for prayers answered. The soon to be new grandparents asked me the question, “Who would you pray to for the baby who was already known to have a serious heart defect?” The first thought that came to my mind was Saint Sharbel. I shared all I knew about Saint Sharbel. I suggested, if they were open to the idea, that we pray a Novena to Saint Sharbel together. The next day I got Novena booklets, literature on the history of Saint Sharbel and Saint Sharbel Devotional Oil which contains a tiny relic of cloth. I took these items to Ralph and Sue before they got back on the road.
We four (my daughter, the baby’s grandparents and myself) prayed the Novena to Saint Sharbel each day for a miraculous healing of Baby Eric’s little heart. I was able to pray at the Saint Sharbel Shrine and before the Saint Sharbel relic at the shrine. When John and Jane arrived , the expectant parents Lucy and Joe began to pray the Novena to Saint Sharbel as well with expectant faith and hope.
By way of a text I suggested that the expectant mother be anointed with The Sign of The Cross with the Saint Sharbel oil, and that her belly be anointed with the holy oil as well prior to delivery, which they did. Prayers for the intercession of Saint Sharbel were continuously and fervently offered for the healing of Baby Eric’s heart defect.
On the ninth day of the Saint Sharbel Novena Eric was born. Although a team of pediatric heart specialists was at hand, it was discovered that the anticipated heart defect was not nearly as serious as expected. There was no need for the infant to be rushed into emergency heart repair surgery. Miraculously the right ventricle was on the right side, and the left ventricle was on the left side as it should be. There is a hole in the lower chamber of the baby’s heart, but a procedure to repair the hole will not be done until Eric is four months old. With continued prayers to Saint Sharbel, I am confident the tiny hole will be repaired through Divine Intervention.
Praise to God and thanksgiving to Saint Sharbel for the healthy heart of Baby Eric.
We have come to know that Almighty God has manifested the power of Saint Sharbel’s intercession by numerous favors and miracles, and I wish to share a St. Sharbel miraculous moment with you.
The compassion of Saint Sharbel in this memorable story began in June of 2021 when I was invited to have dinner at my daughter, Kate’s house along with her husband, Matt and his parents, John and Jane who had traveled from Florida for a visit. John and Jane were just stopping by for a lay-over on a trip to see the birth of their grandchild. The birth of this child was very special as his parents’, Joe and Lucy had been trying to get pregnant for seven years. Finally, a baby had been conceived and was on his way.
The birth of a new baby is an exciting event, but sadly, a prenatal diagnosis through an ultrasound detected a rare congenital heart defect in which the heart’s lower two chambers, the ventricles, are reversed in their position. The right ventricle is on the left; and the left ventricle is on the right. This is a serious birth defect. It was anticipated that the baby would need immediate pediatric cardiac surgery by a team of experts. It was also expected that the infant would spend up to four weeks in the hospital for recovery after the procedure.
In catching up with John and Jane, as I’d not seen them for two years, I began to talk about Catholic shrine where I currently work. I talked about the pilgrims, the devotions, the shrines and the thanksgiving for prayers answered. The soon to be new grandparents asked me the question, “Who would you pray to for the baby who was already known to have a serious heart defect?” The first thought that came to my mind was Saint Sharbel. I shared all I knew about Saint Sharbel. I suggested, if they were open to the idea, that we pray a Novena to Saint Sharbel together. The next day I got Novena booklets, literature on the history of Saint Sharbel and Saint Sharbel Devotional Oil which contains a tiny relic of cloth. I took these items to Ralph and Sue before they got back on the road.
We four (my daughter, the baby’s grandparents and myself) prayed the Novena to Saint Sharbel each day for a miraculous healing of Baby Eric’s little heart. I was able to pray at the Saint Sharbel Shrine and before the Saint Sharbel relic at the shrine. When John and Jane arrived , the expectant parents Lucy and Joe began to pray the Novena to Saint Sharbel as well with expectant faith and hope.
By way of a text I suggested that the expectant mother be anointed with The Sign of The Cross with the Saint Sharbel oil, and that her belly be anointed with the holy oil as well prior to delivery, which they did. Prayers for the intercession of Saint Sharbel were continuously and fervently offered for the healing of Baby Eric’s heart defect.
On the ninth day of the Saint Sharbel Novena Eric was born. Although a team of pediatric heart specialists was at hand, it was discovered that the anticipated heart defect was not nearly as serious as expected. There was no need for the infant to be rushed into emergency heart repair surgery. Miraculously the right ventricle was on the right side, and the left ventricle was on the left side as it should be. There is a hole in the lower chamber of the baby’s heart, but a procedure to repair the hole will not be done until Eric is four months old. With continued prayers to Saint Sharbel, I am confident the tiny hole will be repaired through Divine Intervention.
Praise to God and thanksgiving to Saint Sharbel for the healthy heart of Baby Eric.
April of 2021 I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. I was told that a swollen lymph node in my neck would be removed first and sent to pathology while I was on the table. If it came back 100% cancer they were going to have to remove all other lymph nodes as well as my entire thyroid to keep the cancer from spreading. I prayed to Saint Sharbel daily. I also did a 9 day Novena. On May 21st while praying , my body was washed in a bright white light and I heard Saint Sharbel say "You have been Healed" "You have received a miracle" My surgery was scheduled for June 22nd. The lymph node in question was removed and tested positive for cancer. Therefore several others were removed along with my entire thyroid. These were sent out to pathology. 12 days later the doctor called and said NO sign of cancer was found and that doctors describe it as spontaneous regression of cancer. The body heals itself and there is no reason for it. I KNOW the reason and it is because I received a miracle from Saint Sharbel. A team of doctors and endocrinologists are still trying to figure out what happened.
My green card got approved, thank you Lord & Mama Mary, thank you for bringing us back here in USA & back to my work, great health & all answered prayers, blessings, & miracles. We love & praise you Father Lord God Jesus, with intercession of all Angel & Saints through Mama Mary. Pray for us . God bless us all & Thank you.
A man and wife came in as we were closing one day in early April, 2019. She was about 8 mos. pregnant and very beautiful. I helped them find something and asked where they were from and she said in the DC area but originally from Lebanon. I asked her if they knew of St. Sharbel? Yes, she said we had a miracle through Blessed Mother and his intercession. They had been praying and hoping for a child their whole married life. After 18 years and many tips to Annaya, Maria had a dream one night. The next day she told her husband they were going to be parents. “How do you know”, he asked? “Because, last night I dreamt the BVM placed a child in my arms.” Sure enough, she was expecting and the baby is due in May 2019!!!
I live in Miami, Florida and was there the Spring of 2015. During that spring break my oldest son received the notification that he had been accepted into a university which he had to move away and that implicated the cost of living away from home, AT that time I was going thru a lot financially and a divorce. I told my son to accept the invitation to that university but I didn't have the $$ to face all the educational costs. While I was at the Grotto, I wrote on a piece of paper asking the Virgin to help with this intention and to help us. I came back to Miami and a few weeks later (in early May); my son received the news that he had won a scholarship that he had applied for back in early April- 'A 4 YEAR TUITION PLAN" to attend any Florida University. Gracias virgencita por siempre protegernos y cubrirnos con tu manto divino!
Expect your prayers to be answered at this miraculous site. My prayers have been answered in truly amazing ways. It is a hallowed place...made sacred by so many people and prayers over so many years. I once encountered an angel singing in the tiny chapel. I have taken loved ones in distress, and they have felt drawn to go back by themselves. I took my baby granddaughter there 10 years ago, and dedicated her to God. I am so thankful for the blessings I have received at this miraculous site, and I am happy to share my stories!
Thank you Blessed Mother Mary for the healing and blessing my beautiful niece Faith and her new born baby. Faith has been completely cured from the lymphoma cancer and the baby was born healthy and strong. Mother and child are doing beautifully. Thank you for answering our many, many prayers. We have been so blessed and thank you everyday..
I was in the Class of 1964 and I can remember walking up the hill behind the dorms to spend some quite time with Our Lady. The Peace and Quiet that surrounded the Grotto was a good time to relax and pray for anything that came to my mind, mostly getting through the Mount. There was nothing built up then and not many people came around to break the silence. Thanks for preserving the Shrine.
"It's hard to miss that tall, golden statue of Mary when driving past the Mount, and it's one of the first things that drew me to the campus when considering colleges. Now, six years later, I can look up at it and say that's where I learned, and that's where I loved. The grotto was, and continues to be a key part of our spirituality and formation. Ascending that mountain meant a day walking in the footsteps of saints, and both of us spent many hours at prayer in the grotto. It was a familiar destination when we were dating, and as our discernment pointed more and more towards married life it became a natural location to propose.
So on one of the snowiest days of the year, I asked Alanna to climb those stairs up the mountain with me. St. Elizabeth Ann's words, "We're half in the sky-the height of our situation is incredible"
were in front of us as we sat in our favorite bench overlooking the valley. I knelt in the snow and asked her to marry me. What followed were tears, laughter, prayers, and a bit of shivering. In a true "Mount Moment," the bells from Mary's tower began to ring as soon as she said yes, and as we sat on our bench a seminarian came by on his way to the chapel to offer congratulations and snap a few pictures. It'd be hard to find a storybook experience like that off this mountain, and we're thankful to call it our home."
"The grotto is always so peaceful, especially in the snow. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect proposal! In that moment I really felt like God was there with us, blessing that moment in our lives. After I said "yes" and we took some pictures, we walked over in front of the Guadeloupe mosaic and said a prayer together. A month into our relationship we consecrated ourselves to the Immaculate Conception, and over the course of our relationship Mary has helped us through thick an thin. We know she will continue to guide us towards her son as we walk through life together."
So on one of the snowiest days of the year, I asked Alanna to climb those stairs up the mountain with me. St. Elizabeth Ann's words, "We're half in the sky-the height of our situation is incredible"
were in front of us as we sat in our favorite bench overlooking the valley. I knelt in the snow and asked her to marry me. What followed were tears, laughter, prayers, and a bit of shivering. In a true "Mount Moment," the bells from Mary's tower began to ring as soon as she said yes, and as we sat on our bench a seminarian came by on his way to the chapel to offer congratulations and snap a few pictures. It'd be hard to find a storybook experience like that off this mountain, and we're thankful to call it our home."
"The grotto is always so peaceful, especially in the snow. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect proposal! In that moment I really felt like God was there with us, blessing that moment in our lives. After I said "yes" and we took some pictures, we walked over in front of the Guadeloupe mosaic and said a prayer together. A month into our relationship we consecrated ourselves to the Immaculate Conception, and over the course of our relationship Mary has helped us through thick an thin. We know she will continue to guide us towards her son as we walk through life together."
"We saw a sign, and I told my husband that I wanted to stop....so we did. We walked to the Grotto and saw the statues. It was breath taking, so very beautiful, with the green trees and flowers. When we got the Grotto it was very peaceful and relaxing. Holy Mother has surely blessed this place. I will definitely be stopping back to do the walk of Calvary!"
"25 years ago, I was a young mother suffering from sever anxiety and depression, so much so that I would not allow myself to be alone with my then two year old son. My Aunt was staying with us to help with this situation, she lived in Cumberland and we were taking her home to see her family for the holidays, she would not be returning as my companion anymore after that because she missed her daughter and grandchildren. I was very sad with the thought of her not being with me anymore. On our way to Cumberland we decided to stop at the National Shrine and Grotto. While my Aunt and husband walked around the Shrine I stayed to the back, a very old nun approached me, she touched my hand which startling me, then she asked me what was wrong, she said I looked "worried", I briefly explained my situation. She then gave me a Saint Joseph's prayer card and asked that I pray the novena ever morning for 9 days. She said he will never fail you, and that he will answer you prayers. When my husband returned to where I was standing he asked where I got the card from, I said the nun gave it to me, to which he replied "there was no one with you, I've been watching the whole time and you've been alone". We both searched everywhere for the nun but we never found her. As for my anxiety and depression, everyday that I prayed the St.Josephs novena I got stronger and stronger. Today, and many years before today, I have been free of anxiety and depression. I still have that original prayer card and I continue to pray to St.Joseph. I return to the Shrine several times a year looking for my little nun, but I've never seen her again."
"Our friends ask me about miracles that have taken place at the Grotto. I always smile and say that while we have received many blessings at the Grotto over the years, the one thing that I can guarantee is that you feel a lot better going down the hill then when you came up, and that truly is a miracle.
I hope that the Grotto touches all of your hearts the same way it has touched mine. It is a place where Mary allows people to feel some comfort no matter what the situation is in your life. A place that tells you all will be well in this very hectic time that we live in.
When I drive down 15 and we are about 3 miles away, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning when I see the Blessed Mother shine in the morning sun, knowing that in a few minutes I will be at this special place."
I hope that the Grotto touches all of your hearts the same way it has touched mine. It is a place where Mary allows people to feel some comfort no matter what the situation is in your life. A place that tells you all will be well in this very hectic time that we live in.
When I drive down 15 and we are about 3 miles away, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning when I see the Blessed Mother shine in the morning sun, knowing that in a few minutes I will be at this special place."
“The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes” is much more than a place.
It is where Heaven touches the earth and a person can embrace serenity, comfort, strength, love, family and saintly connections, and especially solace.
At the Shrine, memories are embraced and held in the arms of Jesus, our Blessed Mother, and the saints. Memories that we can immortalize through visual reminders – our statues of saints that we hold dear, beautiful copper Stations of the Cross, exquisite mosaics of the Mysteries of the Rosary, the breathtaking Grotto, the healing water, and the glass Chapel that blends the earth with the sky.
We are able to walk on the very ground that St. Elizabeth Ann Seton walked. We are energized by this place that gave her refuge and inspiration.
And Our Beautiful Lady that is held high to enlighten those that stand in awe of her image from near and far.
This Shrine is a special place of comfort “ from the world” and “for the world.”
It is where Heaven touches the earth and a person can embrace serenity, comfort, strength, love, family and saintly connections, and especially solace.
At the Shrine, memories are embraced and held in the arms of Jesus, our Blessed Mother, and the saints. Memories that we can immortalize through visual reminders – our statues of saints that we hold dear, beautiful copper Stations of the Cross, exquisite mosaics of the Mysteries of the Rosary, the breathtaking Grotto, the healing water, and the glass Chapel that blends the earth with the sky.
We are able to walk on the very ground that St. Elizabeth Ann Seton walked. We are energized by this place that gave her refuge and inspiration.
And Our Beautiful Lady that is held high to enlighten those that stand in awe of her image from near and far.
This Shrine is a special place of comfort “ from the world” and “for the world.”
"Hard to believe that 6 years have passed since Mike moved into that freshman dorm at The Mount. Mother Mary has watched him study, play lacrosse, make lifelong friends, earn not just his BA but a Masters as well, and mostly, her loving presence has helped shape the man of Faith he is today. I Love The Grotto at the Mount. THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE IT ON EARTH. I have taken many walks there, to think, to pray, to light candles and to marvel at the beauty and wonder of that special place. I am certain that anyone who has ever spent time there feels the same. Its a very exciting time, as every parent knows, when you watch your child step into adulthood. I know that no matter how far life takes him from the Shrine, its wonder, peace and beauty will always remain with him, as it will with me as well.... "
"Many lives of my family and friends have been healed from life-threatening illnesses and injuries when petitions are placed at the shrine. Dont forget to say thank you to this special Lady, she always appreciates it. "
"What a wonderful, beautiful, pristine and serene place to pray, reflect, relax or meditate. One is at perfect harmony with nature and with our Creator. This shrine is just off Route 15 soon after crossing the state line from Pennsylvania to Maryland. It will make for a very comforting and refreshing rest stop, while being tremendously inspirational at the same time."
"As a student at the Mount, I often walked up there to pray, and I volunteered with grounds-keeping on occasion. It was so special to me, that we took wedding pictures up there when we got married at the Mount."
"My favorite spot for asking God and myself tough questions..."
" I too have been there and was amazed at the peace of the place."
"In 2010, we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our second grandchild. After many ultrasounds and tests we were informed that our child had many health issues that could not be resolved. She was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 which is a genetic disorder where life is most certainly unsustainable. With faith, courage and love our daughter, son-in-law and ourselves faced this most difficult time in our lives. She was born on May 19, 2010 and lived a short two hours. We were very fortunate to have that time with her to bond and let her know how much she was loved.
In September of 2010, I made a journey to the Grotto like I had done a few times before. Distraught, I turned to Our Lady for comfort and strength. After praying the rosary and sitting quietly for a while, I asked Our Lady to comfort me and to give my a sign that all was well and our baby girl was in heaven with her and Our Lord. As I began to leave the Grotto area two beautiful butterflies flew past me, one large and one small and stopped directly in front of me and fluttered. The smaller one stayed for a while and flew off and then the larger butterfly followed. My family has always believed butterflies were a sign from heaven that our loved ones were watching over us. This encounter at the Grotto renewed my spirit and at that moment I knew everything would be fine.
Since then, I have visited the Grotto many times and have attended mass there. The Grotto refreshes my soul and lifts my spirit to a place that I feel at peace and free from pain. Our Lady has done wonderful things for me and has filled my soul with comfort. I have found a way out of darkness through the Grotto.
In September of 2010, I made a journey to the Grotto like I had done a few times before. Distraught, I turned to Our Lady for comfort and strength. After praying the rosary and sitting quietly for a while, I asked Our Lady to comfort me and to give my a sign that all was well and our baby girl was in heaven with her and Our Lord. As I began to leave the Grotto area two beautiful butterflies flew past me, one large and one small and stopped directly in front of me and fluttered. The smaller one stayed for a while and flew off and then the larger butterfly followed. My family has always believed butterflies were a sign from heaven that our loved ones were watching over us. This encounter at the Grotto renewed my spirit and at that moment I knew everything would be fine.
Since then, I have visited the Grotto many times and have attended mass there. The Grotto refreshes my soul and lifts my spirit to a place that I feel at peace and free from pain. Our Lady has done wonderful things for me and has filled my soul with comfort. I have found a way out of darkness through the Grotto.
" Our Blessed Mother gifted our family immensely back in 1992 when we visited the grotto. My brother in law invited us all to pray together at the grotto for family who was lost and not only were those prayers answered, she blessed us with a gift of spontaneous healing of my baby daughter's eye which was scheduled for surgery. We were also gifted at the end of our visit with visually seeing rain around us but we did not get wet. We knew interiorly that her mantel covered us. How beautiful! Thank you, Blessed Mother! "
"Well, what exactly can I say about working at the Grotto? I love everything that the Grotto has to offer. I love helping around and meet all sorts of people from different countries! I love the different languages they speak and of the culture that they bring. The Grotto offers lovely scenery and is a great place to reflect and pray. I feel as if working at the Grotto brings me much closer to my faith. Although the stairs are quite intimidating and somewhat troublesome, it is well worth the hike when I reach to the top of the stairs and stare at the horizons and down at the university. Working here will never stop putting a smile on my face."
" I experienced a minor miracle there when I was young. We were spending the summer in Baltimore because of my dad's job. I spent all morning in the hotel pool, but there was too much chlorine in the water. By lunch, my eyes were fire red. Since we were planning to go to the Grotto that afternoon, mom decided we'd go there, and if my eyes weren't better as the afternoon wore on, we would just continue going home to PA from Emmitsburg rather than heading back to Baltimore. When we got to the Grotto, my eyes were still red and really hurt. Mom decided we'd head home so we could have doctors we trusted look at my eyes. But first she told me to wash my eyes with water from the Grotto. While I did that, she prayed to Our Lady. The moment the water touched my eyes, they stopped hurting. As I turned to tell mom we didn't have to go home because I felt better, I heard her gasp audibly. She said my eyes changed from red back to normal while she was looking at me. True story. I think the Grotto us one of the holiest places in the USA. But I might be a bit biased. "
" I have been there many times, and each time it feels like going home."
"Over the past year, I've lit many candles at the grotto, both in person and on line, praying for a specific job. Even though it was incredibly unlikely, the job became available and was offered to me out of the blue last week. It is a miracle that things worked out the way they did and I feel so blessed, it is exactly what I had prayed for."
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National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
on the campus of Mount St. Mary's University 16330 Grotto Road Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Phone: 301-447-5318 MASS: Monday–Friday 11:00 AM Saturday 12:00 PM Sunday (English) 12:00 PM Sunday (Español) 2:00 PM ADORATION: Saturday 10:45 AM–11:45 AM Sunday 10:45 AM–11:45 AM CONFESSION: Saturday 10:45 AM–11:45 AM Sunday 10:45 AM–11:45 AM FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION: After 12:00 PM Mass every First Saturday 
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