OUR LADY OF LOURDES GROTTO AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS

The Grotto at Mount Saint John, modeled after the Grotto at Lourdes, France is an especially sacred place of prayer at Mount Saint John. Built by Marianist Brothers in the 1920’s, it serves as a place of private prayer and reflection for the brothers and other persons who are engaged in ministry, retreats, or other programs at Mount Saint John.

Visiting Rules for Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and Stations of the Cross

Visitors to Mount Saint John are welcome at the Grotto and the Stations of the Cross provided that they respect the sacredness of the space, do not disrupt the atmosphere of quiet or the prayer of others, and follow the below visiting rules:

1. Visiting hours are sunrise to sunset.

2. Be respectful of the prayer and reflection of others.

3. Do not climb on the rocks or on any portion of the Grotto structure. (It is made of soft, porous stone and is more than 90 years old. Walking or climbing on it damages the structure and poses a safety risk.)

4. Do not drink the water. (It is not holy water. It runs through the fishpond and back to the waterfall.)

5. Do not leave any prayer intentions, candles, flowers, or other articles.

6. Please park in Lot C or the north end of Lot D.

7. Do not use decorations, lights, sound systems, amplified speakers, video equipment, recorded music, etc. This is forbidden at the Grotto and in all outdoor areas of Mount Saint John unless prior arrangements have been made.

8. Photos may be taken; however, groups and individuals may not “take over” the Grotto for photos.

   • Photos should never interrupt others who are praying.

   • Duration of posing for photos must be less than 10 minutes.

9. Provide advance notice to the Director of Mount Saint John Facilities (937-429-0795) to request permission for classes of students and groups larger than 10 persons wishing to express faith or provide education.

Of Note

1. By policies of both the Marianist Province of the United States and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, the Grotto is not a place of public worship. It is, rather, for private devotion and prayer. The Grotto is therefore not a place for preaching or proselytizing, even about the Blessed Virgin Mary.

2. Mount Saint John does not have the personnel or facilities (e.g., public restrooms) to accommodate large groups of visitors or even small groups traveling from a distance. Such activities are not part of the mission of Mount Saint John. For these reasons, the Grotto at Mount Saint John is not on lists of Marian shrines or Catholic shrines.