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Medina EC News

Day Trips in South Texas: Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto

Replica of French shrine draws visitors with history

Deep down south, in the valley of Texas, a replica of Our Lady of Lourdes stands rich with history and religion. This grotto is a replica of the shrine in Lourdes, France, and features statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the French girl, Bernadette Soubirous, who claims to have seen Mary in 1858. The grotto in Rio Grande City is 33 feet wide by 90 feet tall and unique by featuring native plants and rocks from the surrounding areas.

Construction on the grotto in Rio Grande City began in 1927 by Father Gustav Golbach and was complete in just 14 months with the help of the community. It is a popular attraction for locals and visitors. According to the Rio Grande City Visitor’s Guide, the grotto is very popular during Christmas when it is illuminated with festive lights. It is free to visit and open to the public year round. Rosary services are held each Tuesday at the grotto.