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The Future of the Grotto Father Dobberstein did not have any kind of blueprint.
He had a mental picture of these various Grottos and he placed the
rocks one by one into place to correspond with that mental picture.
Still to be built is the Grotto of Pentecost. Father Dobberstein
described it verbally to Father Greving that it was to be a semi-sphere
representing the earth. The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove will
be descending upon the twelve Apostles who surround Mary who is
the Mother of God and the spouse of the Holy Spirit. The inscription
at the base of the globe will read " Go into the world and
teach".
The Grotto became the property of the Diocese of Sioux City upon the death of Father Dobberstein in 1954. For the next 50 years Father Greving cared for and continued to build on the Grotto as if it was his own. It is doubtful if anyone can fill the shoes of these two shepherds, with the same passion, zeal, love and dedication. |
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We anticipate over 40,000 visitors each year. This includes motor coaches, school groups, home schools, science classes, rock clubs, church groups and many families and individuals. Some will see the rocks, some will see the crystals, some will see the beauty, some will see the wear of winter, some will see the cross and some will experience and see the hand of God. Father Dobberstein built the Grotto for the honor and glory of God. He relied on the generosity of visitors to fund the building of and care for the Grotto. We rely on this same generosity today. The Grotto was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Planning the 100th Anniversary Celebration of when Fr. Dobberstein began building the Grotto in 1912 is around the corner. |
Many Grotto visitors are deeply touched by the Grotto and view the Grotto as a wonder beyond words. The questions of how, where and why are asked over and over while the answers are incomplete. Some find the answer in the mystery of the hand of God, the mystery of his love. To many, the Grotto is a place of serenity, peace, love and spiritual value. The value of the preceious stones is great, however the message is out of this world. All text and original graphics © 2008 Grotto of the Redemption Calendar
of Events | Directions | Group Travel | History | About
Us | Contact Us/Request Brochure Grotto of the Redemption PO
Box 376, West Bend, IA 50597
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