Inspiration and Calling
One Sunday afternoon in the summer of 1915, the whole congregation went in procession to the hillside of Many Bones Creek. They sang a hymn, prayed the Rosary and the Magnificat, in the site where, with the encouragement of Fr. Metzger, they would build their grotto.
The Build
Thus, on the firm foundation of prayer and discipline, the Grotto was built the following summer. Wagon loads of stone from every quarter of land in the district, thundered into the colony for days on end, the stone masons and all the men carried the heavy stones and placed them into place. The young girls and women mixed the mortar. They also cooked for the whole crew! Such items like home baked bread, soups, stews and chicken dishes were made. One letter described how they made 30 chickens 10 loaves of bread and a bag of potatoes for the workers.
Consecration
The consecration of the Grotto and first pilgrimage was held August 15,1917. The Reverend Archbishop Mathieu of Regina and a large number of priests were present. An estimated 1000 pilgrims prayed on the first pilgrimage at this beautiful site. A pilgrimage has been held every year since then. A large celebration was held on the hundredth anniversary of the church.
Pilgrims Flock
Throughout the 20th Century, pilgrims flocked to the Shrine every year at Grotto FeaSt