The Lourdes Grotto behind Giles Hall was upgraded in June. Improvements include accent lighting within the grotto and a refurbished walkway.
The improvements were funded by an anonymous alumni donation. The work was completed by a professional landscaping and lighting company at a cost of roughly $30,000.
“It becomes a place where students can encounter God,” said Fr. Stephen Waruszewski, Director of Campus Ministry.
“It becomes one of those places where we can leave behind some of the stresses of the fast pace of college life and slow down.”
The alumnus who funded the project was motivated to make the donation following a conversation at SFU’s 2024 Alumni Weekend. The conversation began after a twilight mass and remembrance ceremony for alumni who had died in the previous year.
“It’s nice for people to have the opportunity to view the grotto,” said junior Lydia Anderson.
The Lourdes Grotto is open to anyone and is regularly used for Eucharistic adoration, praise and worship. It is also utilized by students for small-group devotionals and study sessions.
Over the past 16 years, a group of volunteers who have become known as the “Lourdes Army’s” have taken consistent care of the grotto. They have also made improvements to it, including adding new statues and making it more accessible.
“Saint Francis of Asissi himself loved spending time communing with God in nature,” said Anderson. “He saw the beauty of creation as a way to be led to the beauty of God.”
