GROTTO OF OUR LADY OLD & NEW

HISTORY OF THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY BY HOWARD NORRIS

Joe Burlak, the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus asked Howard Norris, a brother knight, if he would draw up a design for a Grotto that had been proposed by K of C members a few years earlier. (note; Joe Burlak was GK from 1992 to 2000)

The well had been drilled and Dick Belinsky, a brother knight, built the miniature church that covers the well head and pump.

Howard submitted several drawings and after many months a design was approved by Grand Knight Joe Burlak. Once the plan was approved, Joe asked Howard Norris to continue as the chairman of the grotto committee. Howard agreed and began the research of building materials, foundation requirements and organizing a work crew as well as drawing the building plans in detail for construction

Howard solicited John and Marty Hodges, father and son, of JMH Cement Contractors, a local business to join the team for the project as well as Dick Belinsky and Clare Cereska all brother knights.

All of these men volunteered their time and talents to this project.

The statue of Our Lady was purchased and set in place by Lou Lipka and his crane. After the statue was set the trusses for the grotto roof, built by Howard, were set in place with the help of Clare Cereska and Dick Belinsky, the roof was completed by them. The Lourdes statues came from Our Lady of the Lake church.

Clare Cereska organized a group and researched the blocks for the memorial walkway. The hard work and dedication of these knights yielded this beautiful grotto.

Howard Norris

THE PHOTOS BELOW ARE FROM 2001 DURING CONSTRUCTION OF THE GROTTO AT THE EAST M-55 PROPERTY

NEW GROTTO RELOCATED AT OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CHURCH AND SCHOOL CAMPUS OCTOBER 12, 2022

CURRENT HISTORY AND DEDICATION BY GRAND KNIGHT CLYDE STRAUB

In the summer of 2020, the Knights of Columbus, Council 6548, decided to build a grotto that honors the miracles at Lourdes. The council’s theme is Mary Queen of Apostles as well. At that time, Council 6548 resided on the east side of Prudenville near M-55. The original grotto was designed by Howard Norris and approved by Grand Knight Joe Burlak. The grotto was built by JMH Cement Contractors and brother knights such as Dick Belinski and Clare Cereska.

The original grotto featured a statue of Mary standing in front of a large walkway that was built in the form of a 75 foot cross. The cross was built with red bricks. Some of the bricks were used and engraved to honor the death of our brother knights and their families. The grotto was also utilized as a background for the installation of new members and new officers within Council 6548. The grotto was completed in September 2001 and dedicated on October 19, 2001. The Burlak monument was later installed on October 1, 2002 in his memory and for his many contributions.

On January 29, 2021, Council 6548 sold their property where the original grotto was located. During that time, it was intended to relocate the grotto to a different site. In May 2022 the council finally decided to rebuild a new grotto at Our Lady of the Lake Church (and school) with the permission of Father Peter Eke. The process of relocating the original grotto to Lady of the Lake Church began in July 2022. The new grotto was designed by Grand Knight Clyde Straub. The project manager was Trustee George Everett.

The new grotto site is now visible from highway M-55 with many improvements to serve our community. This grotto includes the original red bricks from the original grotto and installed to form a smaller, 45 foot cross. A new oval walkway was installed around a new garden. Solar lighting was installed throughout. New flags, prayer benches, and a history sign were also included. The statue of Mary was transported from the original grotto and installed at this location. New angel statues were placed near Mary to enhance a prayerful atmosphere.

Those who contributed to the construction of this grotto include the members of Council 6548, Better Yards Landscaping and Bella Construction. Mary was painted by Pam Quinby. This grotto was completed and dedicated to Our Lady of the Lake Church on October 12, 2022. Grand Knight Clyde Straub

PHOTOS OF THE DEDICATION OF THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY AT THE CAMPUS OF OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CHURCH AND SCHOOL ON OCTOBER 12, 2022

A GREAT ATTENDANCE BY PARISHIONERS, AND SCHOOL CHILDREN. IT HAD RAINED ALL MORNING AND DURING MASS BUT THE RAIN STOPPED AS THE BISHOP AND CONGREGATION PROCESSED OUT TO THE GROTTO. WHEN THE BISHOP KNELT DOWN IN FRONT OF THE STATUE, THE SUN AND BLUE SKY CAME OUT. AFTER EVERYONE DISPERSED THE RAIN STARTED AGAIN, A MINI MIRACLE?

PHOTOS OF THE REMOVAL AND REBUILDING OF THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY AT THE CAMPUS OF OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CHURCH AND SCHOOL, CLICK BELOW TO SEE ALL

GROTTO OF OUR LADY DEDICATION AT OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CHURCH AND SCHOOL PHOTOS OF DEDICATION OF THE GROTTO <CLICK