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| When Our blessed Mother appeared to young St. Bernadette
in 1858, she changed the life of this peasant girl. She has also changed
the lives of many others who seek her healing intercession under her
miraculous title, Our Lady of Lourdes.
Through the power of God, Our Lady of Lourdes offers comfort, hope and
often healing.
Bernadette returned to the Sacred Grotto many times to witness Our Lady
of Lourdes' presence. We, too, turn to Our Blessed Mother time and time
again, seeking her presence and her quiet strength. She is with us,
always knowing our pain and fears - always embracing our needs.
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 Frederic Romanet du
Caillaud, made his residence in
Sudbury between 1902 and 1914. A native of Limoges, France, he owned
vast parcels of land in downtown Sudbury. One day, as his wife lay
seriously ill, he promised to build a grotto in Mary's honour if she was
cured. A bronze statue was commissioned from the Denonville Founderie in
France. A 20 foot grotto, containing a nine foot magnificent statue of
Mary was completed on August 22, 1907.
An iron fence was constructed in front of the statue which contains the
name: Regina Gallorum (Queen of the Gauls)
The statues of The Stations of the Cross were erected by the Rosary Club
in 1954. During the 1950's thousands of people gathered to pay homage to
the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine and walk among the statues erected on the
site overlooking Lake Ramsay and the City's downtown section. |
 It is a
tranquil retreat and a powerful reminder of the dramatic events that
surrounded the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The mile long
gravel trail winds its way among statues and peaceful garden scenes
where one can focus their spiritual thoughts and to reflect upon their
personal condition and needs. The hill is crowned with a monumental
crucifix embedded in a concrete platform. The Grotto is an artistic and
historic site which is a must to see by everyone who travels through
this city. Not just for its religious significance, but for the sheer
beauty and magnificence of the area. |
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| Nestled in the heart of Greater Sudbury, the Grotto of
Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in the
year 2007. The Grotto, was commissioned by a mining explorer from
France, Frederic Romanet du Caillaud, as a tribute to Our Lady of
Lourdes for the recovery of his wife from an illness in 1907. Situated
on 5.1 acres of beautiful parkland, the Grotto provides visitors with a
retreat from everyday life and an opportunity to explore the
Judeo-Christian heritage, a history of humanity. The official
celebration will take place on August 15, 2007. There will also be a
calendar of centennial events posted on this web site that will take us
through the entire year. |
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| Please take a walk along the path leading to the Grotto
which is located on the side of the hill overlooking Lake Ramsey. |
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| We are
sure you will enjoy the beauty and splendor of the garden and will
understand why this is such a popular place of reflection for so many of
our local residents and visitors. |
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| The little monuments you see along the side of the hill
above are devotions to special events that occurred in the life of Our
Holy Mother, Mary. |
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| The cement path winds its way along the magnificent
garden, bringing you closer and closer to the Grotto site. |
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| One feels a tremendous sense of anticipation as you near
the Grotto and see the benches that have been put in place for
worshipers. |
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| The vision of St. Theresa kneeling in prayer at the foot
of the Grotto is in itself inspiring. |
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| One finally arrives in front of Our Holy Mother to
experience the sense of peace and inspiration that so many others have
felt for 100 years at this very same spot. |
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