We are still enroute to Fisher, MN for the workcamping job. We arrived in West Bend, Iowa on Monday. Our purpose for coming here is to visit the Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption.
The story of how the Grotto came into being is as moving as are the scenes it portrays. It is generally told that as a young seminarian, Father Dobberstein became critically ill with pneumonia. As he fought for his life he prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Mother of God) to intercede for him for the grace of health. He promised to build a shrine in her honor if he lived. The illness passed, the student completed his studies and after his ordination, he came to West Bend as Pastor in 1898. For over a decade he was stockpiling rocks and precious stones preparing to fulfill his promise to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The actual work of giving permanence to his promise began to take shape in 1912. The designed purpose of the Grotto is to tell in silent stone made spiritually eloquent, the story of man’s fall and his redemption by Christ, the savior of the world.
Father Dobberstein used a vast collection of minerals and precious and semi-precious stones in the building of the Grotto. Petrified wood, malachite, azurite, agates, geodes, jasper, quartz, topaz, calcite, stalactites, and stalagmites are but a partial list of rocks gathered, purchased or donated for the building of the Grotto. It is the largest known accomplishment of it’s kind anywhere in the world.
If you happen to be near West Bend, IA be sure to visit the Grotto. Take the free walking tour that is offered daily at the top of the hour. This place is amazing. To think that every single stone was strategically placed is astonishing.
The Grotto has two campgrounds. The cost per night is just $20 for an electric site with potable water and a dump station in the park. There is also a shower house with modern restrooms. We highly recommend a visit to the Grotto!
The Grotto Campground offers 53 RV sites and 20 tent sites.
Ken & Chris beneath one of the arches at the Grotto.
None of these photos will come near showing the intricate work and beauty of each of the NINE grottos within the main grotto.
Our site at the Grotto campground. All sites are grass, but very well maintained and clean. Each site includes a fire ring and a picnic table as well as 15/30/50 amp service.
SS Peter & Paul Church. It is part of the Devine Mercy Parish. The grotto, church, school, rectory and religious education building take up an entire city block.
Inside SS Peter & Paul Church.
The Christmas Grotto, inside the church.
The main altar at SS Peter & Paul Church.
Of course, we lit a candle and prayed for everyone’s needs and intentions.
The cross at Calvary.
Every single stone in these mosaics for the Stations of the Cross were hand cut and placed.
We went back to the grotto at night to see it all lit up. It was beautiful!!
The cross at calvary at night.
The chalice and Holy Eucharist made of gemstones on one of the building walls.
Our site at night.
We had a family gathering!!! We love seeing everyone on one screen! Everyone is doing very well. We had a lot to catch up on!
