On Monday, June 10th — the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church — we gathered under clearing skies to celebrate the dedication of the new Grotto of Our Lady of the Fields. Despite earlier downpours, dozens of people assembled joyfully outdoors for this meaningful celebration, presided over by Bishop Yvan Mathieu.
The grotto was lovingly conceived and built by Charles Tierney in honour of his late wife, Bernadette (Bunny) Tierney, as a testament to her deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. In his welcome, Barry Devine shared the moving words Bernadette once spoke during a time of trial: “It is difficult, but beautiful.” The tribute now stands as a lasting witness to a faith-filled life and a couple’s shared love for Mary.
The procession approached the grotto to the Marian hymn “Immaculate Mary,” beautifully sung by Jean Anderson of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. The celebration included scripture readings and a homily by Bishop Mathieu. Drawing a powerful connection between Bernadette Tierney and St. Bernadette of Lourdes, the bishop noted that the statue in the grotto is modeled after the image of Mary as she appeared in Lourdes. Inspired by the Gospel of the Visitation, he reflected on Mary’s role as the first missionary.
Together, led by Fr. Paul Shepherd, the congregation prayed a decade of the Rosary, beginning with the Second Joyful Mystery, and listened as Bishop Mathieu recited St. John Paul II’s Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes, before blessing both the grotto and the newly opened section of the parish cemetery.
As part of the rite of dedication, Bishop Mathieu blessed the grotto with holy water, sprinkling it as a sign of purification and sanctification. This sacred gesture invited God’s grace upon the space, marking it as a place of prayer, peace, and Marian intercession for all who visit. The blessing also extended to the newly opened section of the cemetery, uniting the parish’s devotion to Mary with their care for loved ones who have gone before them.
From its very conception, the grotto has stirred hearts. A testament to its spiritual impact: two of the builders were present at the dedication, not as workers, but as participants. Their presence revealed that for them, this had been more than a job — it was a labour of love.
The celebration concluded with a warm reception in the parish hall, where Charles and his family offered heartfelt tributes to Bunny, sharing stories that brought both laughter and tears.
More than a beautiful space, this new grotto is a sign of hope, intercession, and Marian devotion — a sacred place that will bless our parish for generations to come.
A professional photographer, commissioned by the Archdiocese, was present to capture the event — below is a gallery of his beautiful photographs.
