Century-Old Naperville Grotto is Dedicated

Mass held at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery after stone monument is restored

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The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery (911 E. North Ave.) was “re-dedicated” this past weekend by clergy at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church (36 N. Ellsworth)—but it may have been the century-old monument’s first actual dedication. Reverend Brad Baker, pastor of the downtown Naperville church, explained that although church records indicate it was built in 1922, there is no record of a formal dedication Mass at that time.
 
“It’s likely that the historic church fire that same year understandably preoccupied the clergy and leadership,” said Fr. Brad, “so this may be its first formal dedication Mass, despite the fact that the grotto is now 101 years old.”
 
The structure was designed and built by local masons Paul Baumgartner and Art Miller, whose grandchildren—Gary Baumgartner and Carolyn Finzer—were present at the Re-Dedication Mass to witness the historic occasion. Carolyn and Gary, who are both graduates of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, are among the grotto’s most-ardent supporters. Gary donated stones from his property for the restoration, and Carolyn has lovingly maintained the rosary gardens surrounding the structure for decades.
 
Although the grotto has had other updates to it over the last century, major restoration work was done last spring by Marian Restoration in Chicago. Mario Machnicki and his crew replaced missing stones and cleaned the grotto, along with repairing the roof, stairway, and archways using waterproofing membranes and galvanized steel supports. Following that work, Eric Holloway, the Diocese of Joliet Director of Cemeteries, had additional lighting and bench seating installed last fall.
 
The May 6 Mass was presided by Reverend John McGeen and concelebrated by Fr. Brad Baker, Fr. Mike McMahon, and Fr. Nestor Sanchez. Although this may have been the grotto’s first dedication Mass, the site has been used for years to host recurring liturgies. A Memorial Day Mass is held here each spring, and parish sacristan Rita Schmidt organized a fall Luminary Mass for many years until her death in 2020.
 
“No matter the occasion or season, the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto serves as an important year-round prayer space for all visitors of the cemetery,” said Fr. Brad. “Saints Peter and Paul understands the importance and legacy of our local Marian shrine.”