In Venray, Limburg, there is a Lourdes grotto with a special revival.
In 1938, a Lourdes grotto was built in the grounds of the St. Joseph's Convent, and coke lumps from the mines were used for its construction. The St. Joseph's Convent was built in 1880 and housed the Sisters of Divine Providence. The Lourdes grotto was realised by volunteers, who were helped by the sisters from the convent. The convent is located next to the grotto. The sisters are active in education and care, amongst other things. In 1990, the situation changed and the convent underwent a metamorphosis, as the entire complex was redeveloped for housing. In the years that followed, the Lourdes grotto fell into disrepair and disappeared under a large mound of sand.
Some years later, Herman Elbers came to live on the site of the former Lourdes Grotto. In 1997, he discovered the grotto under a lot of sand and made the Lourdes souvenir visible again. In 1998, the statues from the 1938 grotto were recovered. This made the Lourdes Grotto complete again with its original contents. Later in 1998, the rededication of the recovered Lourdes Grotto took place by parish priest-dean of Venray, Johannes Joseph Jacobus (Jo) Coenen (1951-2005).
What is striking about the Lourdes grotto is that both Mary and Bernadette are present in the grotto. The statues were a gift from the resident guests, Mr. and Mrs. Boogaard-Peeters. Candles can be lit in the niche of the grotto. An iron gate can be used to close off the well-maintained grotto.
In May, the rosary is prayed at the grotto, which is accessible daily throughout the year.
The Lourdes Work Venray Foundation, together with Herman Elbers, will take over the care of the Lourdes Grotto. This foundation is a Public Benefit Organisation (ANBI) and therefore financially supporting the organisation is tax-efficient.
Address: Eindstraat 18, 5801CR Venray
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