In 1892, the first and largest Marian shrine was erected in B.C. The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes was built on a rock promontory in the upper reaches of St. Mary’s Mission, which is the current site of the Fraser River Heritage Park. The architectural beauty of the Grotto was apparent to all, and to travelers along the Fraser, it was a beacon.

Travelers gave the area its name, “Mission”, because of St. Mary’s and the Grotto. The Grotto was a six-sided cupola shrine with a silver dome roof laden with stained glass skylights topped by a white cross. The interior boasted intricate moulding and unusual architecture and was hand made with British Columbian cedar. Three sides opened to reveal an altar and a statue of the Virgin Mary.

This shrine was the dying wish of Bishop Louis J. D’Herbomez, the first Bishop of the Catholic Order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Western Canada and the driving force behind the founding of St. Mary’s Mission. Bishop D’Herbomez spent a lot of time at St. Mary’s Mission. He would often meditate, along with other Oblate priests, on a small rock promontory which reminded him of Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes, a holy site in France. In ill health, the Bishop was required to travel to Rome in 1887. He feared that he might never return and swore an oath that if he did return, he would raise a shrine in honour of the Virgin Mary. D’Herbomez did have the opportunity to return to St. Mary’s but, as he died within two years, he never lived to see his dream realized. He left his dying wish in his last will and testament, and placed orders for the project to be constructed on the rocky ledge with a stream watering its base.

Two years after his death, found among his papers were orders to build the shrine. Bishop Paul Durieu continued with the vision of the Grotto and took over the construction of the project. Many people sponsored the building of the shrine, and one anonymous American donated $1000. The Oblates consecrated the Grotto on June 25, 1892.

Many pilgrimages, religious celebrations and Passion Plays took place at the Grotto. Thousands of people came to the Grotto and camped. People came by canoe, pack-train, wagon and on foot. Masses of people were taught beside and inside it. They were baptized, confirmed and married at the site. It was also the site of the annual Easter pilgrimage with estimates of five to seven thousand people.

For many years the Grotto was the focal point of St. Mary’s and Mission city, yet, after a time, the Grotto fell into disuse. Pilgrimages became less frequent, and upkeep was more laborious. Following the neglect of the shrine, it was reopened and rededicated in 1954 with much pageantry. The future bishop, then provincial, Fr. Fergus O’Grady, O.M.I., conducted the afternoon mass with 5,000- 6,000 people present. The Cranbrook Indian School Brass Band and the North Vancouver Indian Brass Band both performed. The Virgin statue was honoured with a crown that was made of donated jewelry, wedding rings and precious stones.

In 1965, deterioration forced a demolition order for all of St. Mary’s buildings and the Grotto, the Fraser Valley landmark, was demolished. In 1986, the Dewdney Alouette Regional District acquired the Park, and it is currently under the jurisdiction of the District of Mission. In the 1980’s, the Mission Heritage Association began plans to save the historic lands of the Mission.

For the past 10 years the reconstruction of the Grotto has been a priority of the MHA and the Knights of Columbus. Eventually through hard work and community support, the dreams of many became a reality, and in 1996 the building of the historical structure began and had its opening ceremonies on May 13, 1997.

Through all the changes the Grotto has undergone, both physical and social, pilgrimages have continued, and the Grotto continues to stand again as a majestic and elegant reminder of Mission’s historical beginnings. To this very day, on the 3rd Saturday of August, the Annual Pilgrimage continues. A procession of First Nation representatives, as well as pilgrims and clergy make the way up the hill to the historic site.