For the past 30 years, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes located in Mission, B.C. is the home of the annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady, and has been maintained, repaired and cleaned by a dedicated group of volunteers. Thousands of hours have gone into the preservation of the pilgrimage event and grotto building itself.
What people may not know is that each year during the annual mass at the pilgrimage, a collection is taken. All the funds collected during that day and online through the years is put into an account. The grotto account is used to pay for the pilgrimage event via expenses to hold such an event. The remaining funds are put into savings. Over many years, we have been able to save so that we can be self-sufficient and not need to ask the Archdiocese or local parish to put money towards the pilgrimage event or grotto building’s needs.
I can tell you that this year was a big capital project spending year. Significant payments were required for this building (our grotto) to continue. The roof was 30 years old and water was starting to enter inside the building from few locations. Paint was starting to peel off the building and large scale rot along the steeple and upper framing above the dome and lower sections was deteriorating. Many other items also were repaired and addressed during this year’s work.
Basically, the worst case scenario occurred and required immediate attention. So the committee of dedicated volunteers sprang into action. We’ve reached out for professional help and gathered quotations. A roofing company was given the contract of replacing the lower cedar shake roof and removing the large steeple and complete re-framing and welding to replace the rotten steeple and cross. A much better assembly and installation was completed.
In addition to the roofing and some framing, other items required repair. The building dome was completely re-sanded to remove rust that was forming. This, in addition to the sanding and re-painting of the entire exterior and dome.
We also found rot at lower sections of the building, which we have removed and re-framed. Window replacements from vandalism and new sealant, caulking on all the windows were also done. The building provided many challenges for the contractors since it sits on a promontory, which is not flat but very difficult to set up boom lifts or ladders. The grotto has undergone a lot of work the past 6 months. However, we have replaced and re-built with the mindset of a long future. I want the building to be a place of great pilgrimage for years to come.
When we fix things, we fix to last. Not just for today but for years to come. The integrity of this building, a shrine to Mary and spiritual retreat for many will endure.
It is in a year like this that we are very appreciative of past donations, which have made the necessary repairs to this historic building possible.
Please remember that your donations, both online and on the day of the pilgrimage, preserved this grotto building and allows our heritage to continue to be a beacon for many.
God bless you and your family.
In Christ,
Ryan Murphy
