A NEW MARIAN GROTTO
Breaking Ground on the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Bishop Miege
We are thrilled to announce the groundbreaking of our new Grotto, donated by the Dunn family, creating a sacred space dedicated to reflection and prayer at Bishop Miege.
Welcoming a New Space for Prayer
On this year’s Feast of the Annunciation, a beautiful chapter began at Bishop Miege Catholic High School as we officially broke ground on the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. This sacred space, located on the south side of campus, will be a visible and prayerful welcome to all who arrive at Miege. Thanks to the generous support of the Bill and Jean Dunn family — led by alumni Terry Dunn (’67) and Peggy Dunn (’68), who also have grandchildren at Miege — the Grotto will become a spiritual landmark for our school community.
The Significance of Our New Grotto
The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto is more than just a physical structure. Positioned at the south end of our campus, it will be the first thing students, families, and visitors see when they enter. It serves as a daily reminder of Our Lady’s presence and protection, encouraging moments of prayer and peace amid the busyness of life.
Archbishop Naumann shared a powerful connection between our school’s namesake, Bishop John Baptist Miege, and the apparition of Mary to St. Bernadette in Lourdes. Just seven years after Bishop Miege began his missionary work in Kansas in 1851, Our Lady appeared in Lourdes, France. As Bishop Miege was laying the groundwork for the Church in a new land, the Blessed Mother was appearing in his homeland. It’s a beautiful example of God’s providence and a reminder that no matter where we are in the world, we are united through Mary’s care and intercession.
Celebrating a Miege 33-day Marian Consecration
With prayers, songs, and a special blessing from Archbishop Joseph Naumann, the groundbreaking was a moment of grace. It also marked the end of our 33-day Marian consecration. It was a fitting conclusion to a time of devotion. As we turned the first soil, we celebrated the start of a project rooted in prayer and purpose.
The Grotto Provides a Place of Prayer for All
It will provide a beautiful setting that can encourage students to offer their intentions and struggles to Mary who will take them to Jesus. I imagine ending our time at the Grotto with a decade of the Rosary. I am so thankful for our Chapel and now the Grotto to provide opportunities for students to experience ways to spend time with God and to share what is on their hearts.
This Grotto will be a symbol of what our mission is—it’s to help young people follow God’s will and be eager to follow it wherever it leads.
I can’t wait to see the Grotto at my high school! St. Bernadette is my confirmation saint, and I have a strong devotion to Mary.
Celebrating Our School Community
The groundbreaking of the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto took place on March 25, 2025. All students, staff, and faculty joined members of the community for the occasion. Construction should take about six months.
Looking Ahead to the Dedication
We are filled with joy as we look ahead to the official dedication of the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. This special event will take place on Sept. 9. It will be a meaningful celebration that brings the Bishop Miege community together once again. On this day, we will honor Mary and bless a space that will serve students and families for generations to come.
We are deeply grateful to HTK Architects and JE Dunn for bringing this vision to life. Most of all, we thank the Dunn family for their heartfelt generosity and enduring commitment to Bishop Miege.
The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto will offer a quiet place for Stags to pause, pray, and reconnect with what truly matters. It will stand as a daily reminder of Mary’s love and presence on our campus.
May this Grotto always be a source of grace and peace. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!