National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes, Emmitsburg

This beautiful mountainside shrine features one of the oldest American replicas of the Lourdes Grotto in France. At the wall beside the grotto is a small relic from the Lourdes itself. We go here every year during Good Friday for the stations of the cross. Attended masses both outdoors at the grotto with a nicely designed amphitheater type seating that can accommodate hundreds, and indoors at their chapel. Wonderful place to meditate. St. Bernadette's Shoppe (gift shop inside Miller Family Visitor center) provides a good variety of religious items for sale. Beautiful, serene, offering a wonderful sense of tranquility while walking down the paths to the grotto. Visit the Grotto water , some believe that it’s cleansing and healthy for the body and soul. Others believe it can heal. The grotto can be cold even during holy week, check the weather before you go and prepare accordingly.

I'm not religious, but this is a very special place. It is indeed a shrine for prayer and reflection. Nearby is the Seton Shrine where you can learn about the life of Mother Seton. This is where you go to silently pray and worship. Indeed, at the actual grotto area there are signs expecting no talking. Leading to and from it are scenic garden paths with lots of benches among statues, stations of the cross, and rosaries. You won't learn very much about the saint here, but you will feel her presence.