I AM NOT of the Catholic faith.
Still I appreciate the strong, artistic visuals that hold great symbolism for those who are Catholic.
On a recent visit to Waterville, I discovered the grotto at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. While there’s no comparison to the renowned Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa, this southern Minnesota grotto is worth appreciating.
Here, in this farming community, field stones were harvested and crafted into a religious shrine in 1929 that honors Christ, Mary and the archangel Michael. One can only imagine the labor and love invested in creating this quiet space of prayer and peace.
Nearly 90 years later, this parish still cares for this place. Plants ring the shrine. Stones remain secure. And in 1992, the walls and floors were constructed and a time capsule installed.
Faithful devotion endures through the generations at Holy Trinity Grotto in Waterville. I see that in this shrine.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
This is beautiful. I never made it to the one in Iowa and always wanted to . Maybe some day if I ever come back to visit.
Oh, the Grotto in West Bend is definitely worth seeing. Maybe you will return to Iowa some day…hopefully.
With all the unkindness and tragedy in the news lately this post is so needed – thanks so much for sharing. Happy Weekend – Enjoy!
You are welcome.
Wonderful post. One does not have to share a faith to appreciate the serenity and beauty of religious design.
On a sad note, regular services at Saint Mary’s in Geneva MN ended this weekend.
The white framed church hides among the pines at a cross roads several miles outside of town and has been the family church of my in-laws for over a hundred and fifty years. We will still maintain the building and grounds and occasionally celebrate weddings, funerals there but it will no longer host Sunday services.
Oh, Greg, I am so sorry to hear this about Saint Mary’s. Is is because of a dwindling congregation, no priest or what?
I am happy to hear, though, that you will still maintain the building and site. How about holding an annual service there? Those seem popular in closed churches, to share memories and even to gather funding for upkeep.
Yes, it is a matter of a dwindling congregation. As farms consolidate, the rural population declines and then there is the secularization of society. Our priest serves three parishes which is difficult.
We plan to hold mid-week services once a month and special services several times a year – but enthusiasm wears away with time. It is just one of those things.
It’s happened all over. So unfortunate. I wish you well as you continue to honor the history of Saint Mary’s.
I don’t know if this image will come through but here is a photo of the congregation we took last Sunday.
Not coming through for me, Greg. But maybe readers can track you down on FB.
Great idea to do a congregational pic.
Catholic churches are some of the most decorative churches I’ve ever been in. This one is beautiful
I’ve noticed the same. Much more ornate than a Lutheran church, for example.
Such a beautiful shrine, so well taken care of!. I love how the sun in peeking over the structure in the first photo 🙂
I liked how that first pic turned out, too. You and I have that photographer’s eye.
I am not Catholic either,]
yet I believe all of this visual symbolism and beauty is for me, TOO!
Gorgeous photos! xx
Thank you. It is for you, too, my dearest Kim. It is.