Matt Szerensce, a parishioner, and Fr. Louis Greving, the next Catholic pastor in West Bend, worked side-by-side with Fr. Dobberstein and furthered the work of Fr. Dobberstein after his death.
The Grotto of the Redemption is the largest grotto in the world. It is comprised of nine separate grottos, each depicting a scene in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The theme of Redemption gives unity to this sacred space.
| Garden of Eden or “Paradise Lost” |
Adam & Eve are being driven out of the Garden of Paradise by an angel with a fiery sword. The devil, depicted as a green serpent wound around the trunk of a tree, tricked Adam and Eve with a lie resulting in man’s fall from sanctifying grace. |
| The Trinity Grotto |
The first grotto started by Fr. Dobberstein in 1912 is built in three half circles in honor of the Three Divine Persons. Most of the rocks are calcite, which came from a cave in South Dakota, near the Black Hills. This grotto is also known as the fulfillment of the promise Fr. Dobberstein made to the Blessed Mary. |
| Ten Commandments |
Here stands Moses giving to the world the Ten Commandments of God. A young man is asking Jesus, “Good Master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting?” Jesus answers him, “If thou wilt enter into life-keep the commandments.” |
| Stations of the Cross |
The Stations of the Cross are 14 scenes in the life of Christ from the time He was condemned to death by Pilate, until His body was laid in the tomb. The Venetian mosaics, imported from Italy, were incorporated into the pillar work to visually tell the story of the Way of the Cross. |
| 13th Station/Calvary |
The statue on the 40-ft high mountain-like structure is similar to Michelangelo’s Pieta which is in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It shows Mary holding the body of Christ after it was taken down from the cross. Beneath the cross is a 36” cross-section of petrified wood from Arizona |
| 14th Station/ Entombment of Jesus |
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are seen reverently and sadly holding the body of Jesus. The three figures have been sculpted out of a single block of white Italian marble. |
| Garden of Gethsemane |
Gethsemane is the garden outside Jerusalem where Jesus went to pray the night before he died. Judas is sneaking around the corner carrying the bag of 30 pieces of silver he was paid to identify Jesus. The angel that God sent to comfort Jesus is portrayed here with a chalice in his hand. |
| Resurrection |
As you approach the archway, you’ll notice an alcove containing a statue of our Risen Savior with Mary Magdalene at His feet. In the Grotto of the Resurrection there is an empty tomb with an angel pointing to the lid of the tomb on which is written: “He is risen, He is not here.” |
| Grotto of Nazareth |
This grotto, built in 1955, depicts the modest boyhood home of Jesus and His earthly parents. The white quartz was used to symbolize the virtues of the home. |
| Stable of Bethlehem |
This grotto made of 65 tons of petrified wood from Montana and the Dakotas shows the traditional manger scene of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. The grotto was erected in 1956 and the statuary arrived in the early 1970’s. |
| The Christmas Chapel |
Built in 1927, and located inside Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, this grotto represents the birthplace and the Nativity of Our Divine Savior. Specimens that Fr. Dobberstein considered too delicate to withstand the weather and changing seasons were incorporated into this grotto. Of particular note is the 300 lb. Brazilian Amethyst inset in the wall above the Christ child. |
| St Michael, the Archangel |
This statue represents the conquest of good over evil. Good is represented by St. Michael, the Archangel and evil is represented by the devil being crushed under the foot of Michael. |
Christ’s Sermon
on the Mount |
Jesus explains to us in the Eight Beatitudes exactly what we must do to enter into heaven. These Eight Beatitudes are written in gold mosaic, inlaid in green copper. The grayish colored stone on top is a stalagmite from Carlsbad Caverns, NM, acquired prior to the caverns becoming a National Park. |
Statue of
Fr. Dobberstein |
Erected in 1992, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Fr. Dobberstein beginning construction of the Grotto in 1912. |
Grotto Museum/
Rock Studio |
Built by Fr. Greving in the 60’s & 70’s, the exterior walls are done up in polished agates from all over the world. It took 16 years of cutting and polishing on these agates alone. |
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| For
More Information |
THE GROTTO OF THE REDEMPTION
PO BOX 376
WEST BEND, IA 50597
Phone: (515) 887-2371
Fax: (515) 887-2372
E-mail: info@westbendgrotto.com
www.westbendgrotto.com |
| Printed
Material |
Brochures free upon request.
Books: An Explanation of the Grotto
A Pictorial Story of the Grotto
Grotto Father
Video: A Promise Fulfilled the story of the Grotto
Call 515-887-5591 or email for prices.
Gift shop |
