USM Blesses and Welcomes All to Renovated Mary’s Grotto

As the summer drew to a close, visitors to campus were treated to a majestic sight: a complete renovation of Mary’s Grotto on the south side of the Center Circle. With new brickwork, stone, and landscaping—as well as a refinishing of the statue of Mary—the site is now a true centerpiece of campus, and a space where students, faculty, staff, and visitors can find a moment’s peace and contemplation.

As part of the university’s continuing centennial celebrations, USM officially blessed the Grotto on Oct. 14. The blessing preceded the Saint Mary centennial Fall Festival and Homecoming celebration that morning and afternoon.

The renovated grotto makes great use of the hillside on which it sits, adding a brick patio for visitors along with pretty landscaping featuring flowering shrubs. Two candle houses now flank the statue of Mary.

All of the work was supported by a generous donor, with Ken Blum, a member of the university’s Board of Trustees and a longtime Saint Mary friend, lending his design skills to the project.