The Grotto

There has been talk of a desire to reinstate the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. At just about every reunion of students finishing before 1980, someone notices that the iconic Grotto, scene of many photos, is gone. It stood between the Oak tree and the Year 8 building and was removed in 1981 to allow for the building of the entrance, which, at that time, had an iron ‘fence’ running around the grass towards the chapel. 

The 1932 Annual tells of the students’ delight on returning to school and various new additions over the holidays, including the Grotto. Rather than paraphrase, I will include the description as it appeared nearly 90 years ago.

“At our return to school life this year, we had several additions to inspect and explore. An elegant palm of eight years’ growth had sprung up on St Michael’s area in the Christmas holidays. The lovebirds, turquoise blue, green and lemon-hued, had increased in number. A charming tropical fernery had also developed during our absence, and a beautiful Lourdes Grotto met our bewildered gaze. A large aviary, where canaries trill their sweet melodies, had been included in the fernery, thanks to our ingenious friend, Mr. Panton. Of course, Fr. McGuire had been the inspiring force in these transformations, at which he toiled with Mr. Lawrence and our kind friend, Mr. Moran.

On May 13 the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes was officially blessed Rev. Fr. F. McGuire. From the oratory the procession of children wound its way slowly, led by the tiny tots, angel-like in snowy whiteness; the middle forms, also in white and wearing the distinctive ribbons of their sodalities; then the Children of Mary, whose  blue mantles indicated their dignity; and finally, the acolytes, with thurible, aspergus, and lighted candles preceding Fr. McGuire. The children’s chanting of Our Lady’s Litanies was very devotional. After the ceremony, suitable hymns were sung, and, with candles still alight, the procession retraced its way through the grounds to the oratory, where Benediction concluded the festive “opening”.

Immediately after Easter, a mission, directed by Fathers Treacy and Brennan, C.S.S.R., was opened in the parish. We assisted every morning for a week at 9 o’clock Mass, and remained for instructions. On the Wednesday morning, hear what happened—we blush even now at the memory of it. As Mass ended, some young ladies – of middle forms, be it said – started to “tip-toe” out of church. A vigorous, “Where are you going, girls?” from Father Treacy, called a halt. “We are going to Elocution, Father”, answered the defaulters - and what followed we leave you to surmise. 1

The fernery and aviaries were at the back of what is now the atrium and the palm tree was about where the uniform shop now sits, near enough to the current office entrance. Over the years, many groups had their photos taken near their beloved Grotto. I know that reinstating it would be welcomed by many past pupils. 

1 “Kilbreda” 1932, pp43-44

Damian Smith

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