Our parish is embarking on a historic journey that will forever shape the spiritual and physical landscape of our community. Over the last two years, under the careful guidance of a dedicated steering committee, the construction of a beautiful grotto honouring the Blessed Virgin has been steadily progressing with breaking ground having started early spring 2024. This sacred project’s patron is one of our parishioners, retired Ontario judge Charles Tierney, who was also an altar server in his youth. This grotto is set to become the crown jewel of our newly expanded cemetery—a true source of pride, devotion, and reflection for our faith community.
A Vision Realized Through Community Effort
Charles’ inspiration of giving back (with his fully self-funded and at no cost to the parish for its creation) is due largely in part to his late wife Bernadette Mary and her deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin along with his recognition of his own spiritual foundation instilled in his childhood. Charles’ deep faith and personal connection to our parish have fueled his desire to create a lasting tribute to the Blessed Virgin. Two years ago, this vision was in its infancy and since has slowly begun to take shape through countless hours from a skilled engineering firm, representatives from the ArchDiocese, a member of our own Finance Council, and integral trades people all of which is under the purview of Fr. Paul.
Charles’ dream is now nearing culmination and becoming a reality. Fr. Paul himself has described the grotto’s design and engineering as “awe-inspiring,” and a testament to the careful planning and devotion that has gone into every detail.
The expansion of our cemetery, which is also being funded by Mr. Tierney, has been a monumental task, requiring the efforts of many dedicated individuals. Rob (Doc) Stamper of our Finance Council, who is managing the project along with Andrew Beyers, have been working closely with all parties to ensure that the grotto aligns with the broader vision of our church and community. There have been many significant milestones on this project already attained such as full land clearing and repurposing of 10 acres, laying of a new road behind the cemetery, excavation of the grotto location, and physical multi stage construction of the grotto foundation/form itself.
Craftsmanship, Dedication, and Meaningful Work
The construction of the grotto itself has been a task that goes beyond just another job for the contractors involved. Every step of the way, the workers have poured their love and dedication into this project, recognizing its significance and the impact it will have on our community now and for future generations. The ongoing concrete work has laid the foundation for the beautiful stone veneer which is currently being applied by Alex from Vintage Stone Masons; the next crucial phase of the project.
This project has truly been a labour of love, including some from our very own congregation adding their time, professionalism, industry and skills to help bring the grotto project to life. Special thanks go to Ken Stuyt, a fellow parishioner, from Fallowfield Tree Farm, who has been instrumental in the landscaping efforts. Ken and his team’s efforts include the maintenance of the new cemetery parcel, relocation and replanting of trees that now line the road leading to the grotto, and cultivation of a more “green” landscape (in our efforts to ensure we are in keeping as a forward and relevant moving parish) has been nothing less than invaluable.
A Place of Peace and Reflection
As the project nears completion, having only incurred a slight delay due to weather, we look forward to the final steps of stonework, landscaping, installation of presentation walkways/benches/etc. which will provide a place of solace where parishioners and visitors alike can take a moment of peace and comfort to reflect. In the future, the grounds surrounding the grotto will feature locations for urns, providing a peaceful resting place for our loved ones. By year’s end we look to have full completion of the grotto project with our current stonework application completed by late September/ early October. Our grotto will then be ready to serve as a place of prayer, reflection, and community gathering for generations to come.
The building of this grotto is more than just a construction project; it is a testament to the faith, dedication, and unity of our parish community. Covid hit our community hard and even though we are gradually bouncing back towards our pre covid attendance numbers, unifying projects like this which provide a foundation of gathering and togetherness exemplify the resolve of our parish to be bigger and better than ever before. Despite the inherent challenges posed by weather, paperwork, design, and (yes it’s worth mentioning twice as we live in Canada) weather, everyone involved in this project has come together with a shared passion to ensure that this project meets its timelines and fulfills its grand purpose. As we approach the completion of the grotto, let us give thanks for the many hands that have contributed to this sacred endeavor as we look forward to the day where we can all gather together to celebrate its blessing.
Stay tuned for more updates and pics as we move closer to the completion of our grotto, and let us continue to pray for the success of this project and for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who watches over us all.
