By Karen Haave
A century-old grotto honoring the Virgin Mary was cause for celebration recently at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manteno.
A grotto is a small picturesque cavern with decorations, built for ornamental and devotional purposes. They often are used as shrines for statues of saints, particularly the Virgin Mary, in outdoor gardens.
According to parish history, the Grotto of Our Lady at St. Joseph Church was erected by the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary in October of 1924. It is a replica of the Shrine to the Blessed Virgin in Lourdes, France, where she appeared in 1858 to a peasant girl named Bernadette Soubirous.
Bishop Decelles of Hyacinthe, Canada, officiated at the dedication 100 years ago, followed by a procession to St. Joseph Church and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
In 1938, Mother St. Emily, Provincial of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, brought a stone back from one of her trips to Lourdes, a piece of which was placed at the Grotto. When the school adjacent to the Grotto – Our Lady Academy – was closed by the early 1970s, the Grotto and park property was sold to the Village of Manteno.
Statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Bernadette, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus were removed and purchased by the Nugent and Bertrand families to be kept on their family farms. Unfortunately, the Lourdes stone was temporarily lost.
In 1979, St. Joseph Church re-acquired the Grotto and parkland from the village for $30,000. By this time, the Blessed Virgin and St. Bernadette statues had deteriorated and were replaced, but the original statue of the Sacred Heart was in good condition and later donated back to the Church by the Bertrand family.
In 1986, the Grotto was damaged by a lightning strike, and a rebuild of the Grotto was required. During construction, a workman found the stone from Lourdes, which had been lost for 18 years. It was replaced in the Grotto behind a wrought iron gate.
On the 75th anniversary of the Grotto in 1999, St. Joseph Parish celebrated a rededication and blessing of the site. The Knights of Columbus planted landscaping and flower beds, installed benches and a kneeler, and replaced sidewalks. A bronze plaque also was installed to commemorate the dedication of the Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary.
Over the years, May Crownings, Corpus Christi processions, and outdoor Masses have been celebrated at the Grotto. Generations of children and adults have come to the Grotto to pray, meditate on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, or just rest in the peaceful and prayerful atmosphere.
St. Joseph parish itself is actually 152 years old. In 1872, Father George Kerston led the construction of the first permanent church at a cost of $14,000. The first baptism and marriage were held there in 1885.
Planning for the historic October 13 rededication was tasked to the Grotto Park 100th Year Anniversary Committee, chaired by Scott Bertrand, with Linda Graulau, Linda Stevens, Kevin Rose, and Brianna Bertrand.
The committee acknowledged all who contributed in a statement on the event program: “We express our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and participated in the St. Joseph Catholic Church Grotto Park 100th Anniversary Celebration,” they said. “Your presence made this milestone even more meaningful, and we are truly blessed to have shared this special moment with each of you.”
Additional thanks went to the Knights of Columbus, “the community, parishioners, and volunteers.”
“We extend a special thank you to all who use this sacred place to pray, reflect, and find peace. St. Joseph’s Grotto has been a place of refuge and faith for generations, and it is because of you this cherished tradition continues. May this place of worship and its legacy continue to inspire and strengthen our faith in the years to come.”
Committee Chair Scott Bertrand also noted after the dedication, “The rebuild and ongoing beautification of St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus Council owe a significant debt of gratitude to Kenneth Bertrand, the first Grand Knight of the Manteno Knights of Columbus, and his wife, Eloise,”
“Their dedication to the Grotto has been instrumental during the past two decades, as they prioritized its maintenance and ensured its continued splendor for the community. Their commitment not only enriched the spiritual atmosphere of the Grotto but also set a high standard for stewardship.
“After more than 20 years of devoted service, Kenneth and Eloise transitioned the responsibilities to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Frame, who have embraced the task of maintaining Grotto Park with the same passion and dedication. This seamless handover reflects the enduring spirit of community and commitment to beautification that defines the Knights of Columbus,” he said.
Also recognized were Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Frame, “for donating, planting, and maintaining the beautiful flowers in Grotto Park,” and Joan Kustwin and her niece Tara Hensle, “for donating the cupcakes for our 100th Anniversary Celebration.”
Fr. Thomas Theneth, CMI, pastor for St. Joseph Church, said, “I am very happy to have celebrated our centennial anniversary of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. Many people compliment our Grotto garden and use it for reflection, relaxation, prayers, and photos during special occasions.
“We are proud that not only our St. Joseph Parish, but our extended community is able to enjoy it. Thank you to the Grotto Committee and to all involved in making this a special day.”
Fr. Tony Nugent was a concelebrant of the Mass marking the event.
The Village of Manteno recognized the anniversary with a proclamation, noting “Grotto Park has become a beloved landmark in our village,” with “a positive impact on our community’s spiritual and cultural life. It notes also that the Centennial Anniversary “is a significant milestone” and declared October 13 St. Joseph Church Grotto Park Centennial Day.
The Portugal Shrine of Fatima also sent a proclamation, extending “our heartfelt congratulations and blessings to St. Joseph Catholic Church of Manteno, Illinois, on their century of faithful service and devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary.”
A proclamation from the Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks, Bishop of the Diocese of Joliet, honored the Grotto as “a sacred space that has nurtured countless spiritual journeys and enriched the lives of many.”
Declaring October 13 St. Joseph Catholic Church Grotto Park Centennial Day, the proclamation celebrates the anniversary, “giving thanks for the blessings received and the spiritual heritage established.
“May this anniversary,” the proclamation concluded, “inspire us all to deepen our faith and continue to cherish and uphold the sacred traditions of our church.”
At the same time, a proclamation from the Manteno Historical Society “acknowledges the significance of this centennial as a milestone of cultural and historical importance, reflecting our shared heritage and collective commitment to preserving the landmarks that define our community.
“We commend the church for its century-long dedication to nurturing faith and fostering community spirit.”
For more information on the history of the Grotto and St. Joseph Church, copies of “Coming Home: The Story of Manteno St. Joseph Church and Our Lady Academy,” by Josh Lamore are available for purchase at the parish office, 207 S. Main Street in Manteno, 815-468-3403.
