Grotto Project

Mary’s Grotto on Immaculata University campus is a replica of the famous apparition site in Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. The Grotto was established to provide a physical space where students, faculty and community members could withdraw from the busyness of academic life to find peace.

In January it was announced that the road leading to Mary’s Grotto would be permanently closed. After careful review, it was determined that the Grotto’s location presented a safety hazard to members of the IU community and visitors. In that announcement, President Lettiere noted that “plans are now underway to relocate the Mary Grotto to a more prominent and accessible location on campus.”

This relocation project has now started. The project is directed by the IHM Congregation in support of Immaculata’s legacy. The Congregation has started a fundraising campaign to alleviate any financial burden to the University.

The new location is opposite parking lot D on Gillet Drive, near the old entrance to Grotto Drive. Grotto Drive is permanently closed to prevent potential harm.