Gibbons campus is filled with many sacred spaces with meaningful stories, but the first one that you will see when you enter is the Grotto.
It started when Gibbons moved from the Western Boulevard campus to where we currently are, at Edwards Mill. A member of the Gibbons community placed a statue of Mary next to the entrance of the school where the Grotto currently stands, many people didn’t even know it was there.
“I remember there were a few prayer services out there but not very many because you just didn’t know it was there…until a few years ago I was approached by a Gibbons parent and alumni that was really interested in doing something involved in the project that elevates Mary in some way,” says Dean Monroe, Assistant Head of School for Mission.
With the help of another Gibbons alumni who was interested in helping to design the Grotto, they were able to use the space to its greatest potential.
The first phase of building the Grotto was the elevation of Mary and her statue, they did this by placing the statue on a platform. After the elevation many donors wanted to become involved with the project.
In the next phase of building the Grotto they created the brick pathway. This pathway may just seem like a convenient way to get to the Grotto, but its shape is something much more significant. If you look at it from a bird’s eye view, the pathway is formed to look like the Gibbons cross.
The third phase in the construction of the Grotto was the brick wall surrounding the Grotto area.
Lastly, the fourth phase will include adding a few finishing touches.
“We want to plant flowers, roses, trees and some other final touches,” says Mr. Monroe. “It was all funded by people in our community who saw a need and wanted to make this happen for the benefit of our community…everything we do is to give opportunities for our community to further their faith, and that is the goal of Mary’s Grotto.”
Students are encouraged to step away from their busy lives and everyday stresses to spend time at the Grotto, where they can connect with their faith, and appreciate the Gibbons community that came together to make the Grotto what it is today.
Spiritual life leaders plan on hosting a mass at the Grotto in May, and hope to see students and faculty there!
