Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto is an exact replica of the famous grotto at Lourdes, France, where Blessed Bernadette’s enraptured gaze recalls that day when she first saw the fair and bright vision of Mary Immaculate.  It is a favored destination of parishioners and pilgrims for prayer and devotion to Our Lady.  Every year on August 13, 14 and 15, St. Joseph Parish celebrates the Triduum of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Mass celebrated outdoors (weather permitting) each evening, followed by a candlelight rosary procession. All are invited to attend this moving celebration.                  HISTORY  When Rev. Edward Spitzig arrived at St. Joseph in 1926 to assume his charge as pastor, he found a splendid rural church and a newly erected school and Sisters’ convent on the well-kept grounds.  To the rear of the rectory, however, where an earlier church had stood on the hill, there was a gravel pit, which came about when the highway was built from Randolph to Suffield.  In a letter to Bishop Joseph B. Schrembs of Cleveland, Father Spitzig said, “Ever since I put foot on this ground, I have had this thought in mind – I see it by day – I dream of it by night.”  Father Spitzig saw the perfect place to construct a grotto much like the shrine of Massabielle on the banks of the Gave river in southern France.  Father Spitzig’s plan was presented to Bishop Schrembs, who was agreeable as long as it conformed in every detail to the shrine in France.

On February 11, 1927, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the children of the parish marched in procession into the crowded church carrying a miniature of the Grotto and sang the famous Lourdes hymns with great gusto.  Bishop Schrembs confirmed 82 children on April 12, 1927 and then proceeded solemnly to the hill to break ground for the Grotto.   Mr. John Winterich, the architect, spent some weeks in France and returned with drawings and measurements to begin the actual work of building this Lourdes replica.  Reinforced most sturdily with steel, the cement framework was shaped into a thing of outstanding beauty.  The statue of Our Lady standing in an alcove with her eyes gazing prayerfully toward heaven is a replica of the statue in France.  People who have been the Grotto in France constantly remark on the close resemblance.

On August 14, 1927, the eve of the Feast of the Assumption, Bishop Schrembs solemnly dedicated the completed Grotto.  It was reported that five thousand people witnessed this dedication.  Although the weather was inclement, the moment the statue of Our Lady was unveiled, the sun pierced through the darkened skies. This was a scene never to be forgotten. Father Spitzig suffered a fatal heart less than four months later, on December 10, 1927.  Death ended his hope of making the Shrine a national pilgrimage site.

In the spring of 1928, Rev. Frederick Bertram was assigned to St. Joseph. He was a man of wide experience and innate energy; he was endowed with good judgment and fine priestly zeal.  He undertook perfecting the Shrine and beautifying the environment with artistic landscape gardening.  Father Bertram fostered devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, and arranged pilgrimages to this cherished Lourdes Shrine.  St. Joseph soon attracted visitors from near and far.   On the 100th Anniversary of the parish on October 4, 1931, Bishop Schrembs and members of the diocesan clergy celebrated High Mass at 10 A.M.  Later in the day, Monsignor Ferdinand Schreiber, pastor of St. Bernard’s In Akron, blessed the statue of the visionary Bernadette.  She had been beatified in 1925.  The blessing of the statue was followed by a procession and Benediction.

As time went by, thousands of the faithful came to this sacred spot, and it rapidly became a popular pilgrimage destination.  Services were conducted every Sunday from May until October, and on important Feast Days of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the summer season.  Many pilgrims have given testimony of cures and favors received, but no investigation was ever made to substantiate these claims.  May it suffice to state that Our Lady will more than reward those who demonstrate their devotion and faith.   Currently the Catholic War Veterans of our parish are concerned with the day-to-day maintenance and the long-term preservation of the Grotto.  A major project was undertaken by the parish in 2006 to preserve the integrity of the Grotto structure.  In 2007, several parishioners provided a beautiful water feature along the west side of the grotto along with a prayer area and wonderful landscaping and lighting that certainly enhances the area.                   At the present time, Saturday evening Mass is celebrated in the Grotto during the summer months.  A Triduum, which includes Mass followed by the recitation of the rosary in a candle light procession, is held every August 13, 14 and 15, to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.   The devotion of the congregation, the flickering of the votive candles in the recess of the picturesque grotto, the inspiring hymns of the faithful, the glowing tapers as the procession circles prayerfully around the Shrine – all this continues to deeply impress those who pilgrimage to this rural place in Northeastern Ohio.

Grotto Store The present "Our Lady of Lourdes " Grotto Store was built about six years ago by the Catholic War Veterans -Our Lady of Lourdes, Post 1325. Prior to this, the Religious items were housed in the boiler room of the school, then at the Primary building, and finally a trailer over by the truck garage. The CWV decided to beautify the Grotto area and provide a building so religious items were readily available to parishioners and visitors. The store has been updated in the past year.  The goal of the Grotto Store is to provide a variety of religious items for the parishioners of St. Joseph, the community and visitors.   There is a variety of inspirational and religious books, including Bibles, Catechisms, videos, music and rosary tapes (CD and cassette).   A selection of prayer books, special prayer pamphlets (novenas), Holy Cards, rosaries, and chaplets are available. We have a large selection of medals, badges, auto items, religious necklaces(cross or crucifix or saint ), bracelets and sports medals.   There is a variety of crucifixes, statues and pictures for the home. A good selection of items for children and babies --childrens bibles, books of Saints, prayer books, crib medals, music boxes, night lights, etc.   Available are many items for special occasions - Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Wedding, Graduation and Anniversaries.  Greeting cards are also available for these occasions.  We are willing to order special items.    The Grotto Store is open after all Masses and during special events or by appointment. It is located next to the path leading back to the Grotto.  The store is managed by Josephine Demboski.  Please call the rectory at 330-628-9941 for additional information.