national shrine grotto of lourdes

Beautiful retreat with many statues/displays to see. Definitely want to see the visitors center first to get a map of the entire grotto area.

Very historical and meditating to learn about the life of christ. If going take time out for at least one or two hours to see everything.

I visited the Grotto on a cold day but it was still very beautiful to see. It is a very peaceful place and you can pray and admire the Lourdes grotto and all the other religious statues. The chapel is cozy and inviting and the mass was great. The gift shop is full of wonderful items and there is a great variety of religious gifts. I want to come back to the Lourdes grotto again sometime.

If you are Catholic and want to see Catholic History in real time, visit Emmitsburg, the Grotto of Lourdes, Mt. St. Mary's University, and the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Catholic history is alive here!

This is a regular stop for me when I am in Frederick County and I very much enjoy time spent here. I will say that it has become more commercialized over the years with the addition of the gift shop and small exhibit, but I understand that funding needs to be addressed so I can live with this. Once you are on the paths of the Grotto that is left behind. One thing I do think needs to be addresses is the amount of handicap parking. All parking with the exception of two handicap spaces right at the entrance of the Grotto is now on the other side of the cemetery. Fortunately when I stopped yesterday there was a handicap space open, had it not been I would not have been able to visit. More handicap spaces are definitely needed!

If you have suffered the loss of someone close you will find the Grotto a prayerful place to help with spiritual healing.

The magnificent gold statue of Mary beckons the traveler to this lovely mountain retreat. Many changes are in evidence since our first visit long ago. A large Visitor's Center with gift shop, for example. Improvements were necessitated by the increased number of visitors. But I miss the earlier simplicity of the shrine and grotto. Ample parking and a small shuttle are available, but wear comfortable shoes.. There is noon Mass in the glass enclosed chapel and the liturgy incorporates both English and Latin. The sermon was the only jarring aspect of the visit as it was unnecessarily divisive and potentially offensive where it might have been inclusive and welcoming. Most definitely not Pope Francis'concept of evangelization. It was difficult to shake off this hurtful stain on the beautiful day in God's mountains shared with believers from many nations.

I've been coming to the grotto since I was a child, and every time I'm overcoming with the feeling of peace and serenity. To walk in the footsteps of a saint is truly humbling.

If one wants to go to a place for prayer where there is serenity and peace, then visit this place. A must see for devotees of Our Lady of Lourdes.

I frequent the Grotto because I live not too far away in downtown Frederick. I am just now submitting a review after all these years because I just find the scenic views so worthwhile. I understand completely why pilgrimages are made here. It is so serene and peaceful at certain times. It seems to be busier now than in years previous but it remains to be a peaceful place. There are signs that request complete silence and most visitors abide by the signs. I will always continue to come here because I find solace here. Plus, the Grotto spring water is supposedly healing. Make sure to bring a container to fill so that you can fill it. The Visitors Center is practically brand new and well kept. The gift shop has a friendly staff and lots of religious souvenirs. Be prepared to walk, though. Comfortable shoes are a must and make sure you check the weather. It can get pretty chilly in the mountains and I am not sure you want to venture here in the rain. It is pretty much all outdoors. Also, it's surrounded by trees so if you are paranoid about ticks or such, you better bring a hat. I have never had an issue in all my years coming here without a hat but I want to forewarn you. A definite place to visit. I could take in the views from here for hours on end. Mass is currently at noon and that is a wonderful experience. The floor to ceiling windows around the altar just offer peace on a silver platter. Beautiful.

The grotto and surrounding area are very spiritual and contemplative. I always stop by when attending the National Fire Academy in nearby Emmitsburg.

We enjoyed this stop while traveling through western Maryland. The shrine and grounds are very peaceful and a serenity overcomes even the most rushed person there.

Nested in the mountains adjacent to Mount Saint Mary's College, this is a beautiful place to visit. The Visitors' Center sets the stage for your visit with a brief history of the construction as well as the current situation. Gardens, statuary, winding paths, a chapel and small niches flank the grotto so there are places to think and reflect. The grotto at the end of the central path is interesting in itself with a history of a man with a vision as intriguing.

My friend and I had been here many times in the past, but it was about 10 years ago. Now there is a new Visitor's Center, beautifully cared for grounds, a few new statues, but a definite respect for everything that was there previously. It is a serene place for quiet introspection and worship. Neither one of us is Catholic, and it's DEFINITELY a Catholic shrine, but we love the pureness of it, and the overall feeling of calm spiritual warmth. There are MANY more tourists than in previous years. Maybe it's just that it is advertised more? But there were particularly tourists of all nationalities: we saw many Asian families, as well as Indian, and there are some new statues that reflect these cultures as well. There's even a small gift shop in the Visitor's Center! My friend was having trouble walking, so they easily provided a golf cart both to and from the parking lot, with no waiting. We had the same quiet, comforting experience we had in years past, even in spite of more visitors. Nearby is Gettysburg, PA and many people don't realize that Camp David is right there (although you certainly can't tour it!) Go to the Grotto....it is really wonderful.

We were traveling through this area on our way to newport, Rhode Island when we happened upon this amazing place. We visited out of curiosity and were blessed beyond measure. The site includes beautiful gardens, prayer areas, the shrine, the grotto, and a lovely chapel. You would just have to go there to believe it. Highly recommend if you are in the area, whether you are Catholic or not.