Shrine & Prayer Garden
Welcome!
The Shrine and Prayer Garden has a focus on the Grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes, the Stations of the Cross which we reverently honored Jesus and His suffering and death, as well as Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, Our Lady of the Snows, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Jude Thaddeus Chapel, and the chapel of the Holy Crucifix. Though we only pray to God, we do honor Mary and the Saints. It is our hope that all persons who come here may find peace through prayerful meditation and/or quiet reverence as they review the lives of these holy persons.
You are welcome to sit, pray, walk the Stations, or just absorb the beauty of the garden that has been maintained by faithful, dedicated parishioners since the grotto and the shrine were first built and dedicated in May of 1964.
On November 30, 2023 a new sign was installed for the shrine. The sign both welcomes visitors and wishes them well as they leave with the simple prayer of the Blessed Virgin Mary: "May it be done to me according to your word." Luke 1:38
The Grotto is dedicated to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and through her, to honor Jesus, her Son. The labor of love that brought forth this grotto and shrine was done out of respect and love for Mary and out of the knowledge that the Blessed Virgin Mary is a great intercessor in our lives.
Please enter this shrine with prayerfulness as is due to Mary as the Mother of Jesus. As you pray at the altars and as you walk the Stations of the Cross with Jesus, may you find peace and love in being reminded once more of the power of God's love as shown in the lives of all who are honored on this sacred site.
Peter and Maria Anna Hunzinger built the shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes and the Stations of the Cross in 1963-1964. In the later years, chapels to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Jude, and the Holy Crucifix were built. Many people have worked hard to continue the care and upkeep of this beautiful shrine and prayer garden. St. Caspar Rosary Altar Society - St. Therese Circle has been in for the forefront of care and upkeep since the year 2000.
St. Caspar Rosary Altar Society-St. Therese Circle was formed in the year 2000 as one of three circles of the St. Caspar Rosary Altar Society. The purpose and main focus of St. Therese Circle is the beautification of the Shrine and Prayer Garden to Our Lady of Lourdes and the Station of the Cross. The members, with love and dedication, continue the work of Peter and Maria Anna Hunzinger. The members care for the Grotto, Stations of the Cross, and the chapels. They also are dedicated to beautifying the grounds of St. Caspar's Church.
St. Therese Circle members gather at the shrine at least once a week to keep the grounds beautiful. Some members work as best fits their schedule. Additional work days occur for spring cleanup, spring planting, and fall cleanup. The Circle has also held fundraisers to support their mission and has generously donated the funds to continue the shrine's mission.
St. Therese seems like a good patron for this Circle of the Rosary Altar Society. All the flowers of the shrine remind members and visitors of St. Therese, "the Little Flower".
If you have any questions about the Shrine & Prayer Garden, contact Rochelle VanLoocke at 567-694-3588.
If you would like to adopt a Station or a Statue, contact Judy Becker at 419-356-9431