Siviriez – Lourdes Grotto

The village of Siviriez is situated in the canton of Fribourg; about 100 metres from the church, a Lourdes grotto has been built from large boulders.

The grotto is behind a railing, to which a box for candles is attached. The depiction of Mary is in a niche on the right side of the grotto, at approximately 2 metres high. Her head is turned heavenward. Below the statue of Our Lady is a small niche. The statue of seer Bernadette Soubirous is located to the left, under the depiction of the Immaculate Conception. An altar table with a Pietà has been placed in the large niche. The grotto is partially overgrown with plants and gives a well-maintained impression.

A commemorative plaque, dated 28 July 1954, is affixed to the wall of the Lourdes Grotto.

Siviriez is best known for the Swiss saint Marguerite Bays (1815–1879), who experienced apparitions of the Virgin Mary. She lived in Siviriez and is buried there. Texts and photographs relating to this can be found in the section “Places of Pilgrimage in Switzerland: Siviriez/La Pierraz”.

~~~