By Emily Losito
News Editor
Ever since Fr. Ross Chamberland, O.F.M., came to St. Bonaventure University, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes has been his place of prayer.
“St. Francis had a very strong connection to St. Mary,” he said.
When Chamberland saw the shrine in previous years, it made him sad. He thought Mary deserved much better. And so, renovation began on the grotto in the spring of 2016. The
newly restored space became the setting for the university’s opening Mass on Sunday, Aug. 28. Chamberland led the service.
According to Gerald Boersma, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology, the grotto was “in disrepair.”
“My first impression (of the renovated grotto) is it’s beautiful. The walkway was splendid,” Boersma said.
He said the renovations portrayed continuity of previous generations that continued the legacy. The outdoor shrine had new steps, wheelchair access,
speaker connection, built-in seating and new landscaping.
During the homily, Chamberland spoke about relationships among people, vows and places of prayer. He talked about how humanity, like a dyed egg, can fade. Chamberland said he hoped the renovation of the grotto will re-energize and inspire the university to connect with its Franciscan identity.
He said he wished as many people attended Mass as go to dinner.
“Make the investment. We need the resources, the energy and the intent,” he said.
Chamberland wanted the Our Lady of Wisdom shrine behind Francis Hall to be renovated next.
Fr. Francis Di Spigno, O.F.M., director of university ministries, said he planned to introduce a St. Clare shrine to the campus in the future.
Di Spigno said he had other projects in mind like the chapel and the St. Bonaventure statue in front of Devereux Ha
Chamberland agreed.
“These are sacred spaces,” Chamberland said. “As a Franciscan university, it is who we are. Restoring and creating spaces are ways to be authentic and follow St. Francis’s social teaching…”
The maintenance and grounds department will do general upkeep, but it’s under the university ministries department to teach and maintain prayer, according to Chamberland.
Boersma had brought his Intellectual Journey students to the grotto for classes multiple times. He said he took them for faith-based education.
Chamberland said education and prayer had been part of the intention for the new grotto.
Boersma said the new grotto “gives a spiritual vitality that things are blossoming here.”
lositoek14@bonaventure.edu
