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Upkeep and remodeling at the GrottoBy KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
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| The Grotto of
the Redemption Summer Visitor Stats
The Grotto of the Redemption attracts visitors not only from the United States, but also from countries across the world. In May there were about 3,000 people from 38 states and 24 countries that visited. In June, an estimated 4,576 people visited from 43 states and 19 foreign countries. In July, an estimated 5, 825 people from 46 states and 19 foreign countries visited the Grotto. Some of the foreign countries include: Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, Philippines, Norway, Netherlands, Korea, Mexico, Holland, Kenya, Wales, Sweden, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Denmark, Columbia, Tansania and India. Interesting visitors: A tour was given to a group of 20 high school students visiting the United States from Japan. Also, Father Verne Stapenhorst and Ilene Drown gave a tour to visitors from Laurens, France and Laurens, Iowa. The representatives from France came over to visit Laurens, Iowa and are in the process of forming a sister city relationship. |
"When Father Greving built the rock studio in the late 60s, early 70s, it was left unfinished," said Miller.
This was another project that was completed recently. The rock studio used to have a cement floor and church pews in it for people to sit as they listened to presentations. Now the studio has been carpeted, insulated and received new chairs and speakers.
Miller noted that the pews were sold at auction allowing for the purchase of the new furniture. The carpet was furnished with a donation from Father Verne Stapenhorst.
"It is now a facility that we will be able to use year round," said Miller. "This year we have used the rock studio for group tours, school groups and speakers. This fall we will use that when Father Verne does some lectures on geology."
Another thing that will be done is work on sidewalks that are narrow and in disrepair. The Knights of Columbus have volunteered to help with this.
"They are going to tear up the sidewalk and put forms up and put in a wider sidewalk. It will be a nice surface for people to walk on," said Miller.
Within the grotto there are a few places that need to be repaired and a professional stonemason will be hired to come in and take care of that.
"There is general maintenance of reaffixing some loose rock, gaps and fixing the water fountain in front of the church," said Miller. "Some of that we do internally with our maintenance man."
Another thing that happened at the Grotto recently was the Gospel Songfest. The Knights of Columbus helped with grilling and there were five music groups that performed. There were about 400 people that attended.
Many people have visited the Grotto during the summer months including people from most of the 50 states and several foreign countries. Miller commented that there is a world map at the Grotto that has pins showing the different countries and states that people travel from each month to see the Grotto. A colored pin signifies each month.
"When people come to the Grotto, they can see where people have come from. It is a fun thing that we started this year," said Miller.
She sees the Grotto as a place where people can learn about their Catholic faith.
"When people see that a priest built this using the Bible as the basis, it really opens people's eyes. It helps to bridge the gap between faiths," said Miller. "That is why Father Dobberstein built it. It is open to people of all faiths and people of no faith."
She has noticed that there are generations of people traveling together - grandparents with grandchildren.
"It is really neat because they are able to relay to their grandchildren about when their parents or grandparents brought them here," said Miller. "It is a place where they can connect. It is great for all ages."
For more information, visit the Grotto of the Redemption Web site at www.westbendgrotto.com. On that site there is a link to a video of the Grotto that was recently featured on the History Channel's program "Weird U.S."
