CV NEWS FEED // Thousands of Catholics are expected to attend one of the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s largest events this weekend—a Marian pilgrimage in honor of the Feast of the Assumption on Aug. 15.
The Canada archdiocese hosts an annual pilgrimage to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Mission, British Columbia, according to B.C. Catholic. The event, which usually draws thousands of Catholics, consists of the pilgrimage, Mass, and a Eucharistic procession to place a statue of Our Lady in a nearby shrine. Confessions are available as well.
According to the pilgrimage’s website, this year’s event, on Aug. 17, is the 37th anniversary of the pilgrimage’s revival in 1987.
The grotto itself dates back to 1892. Bishop Louis-Joseph d’Herbomez promised the Blessed Virgin Mary that he would build a shrine in her honor. His successor built the grotto after his death, and it quickly became a popular pilgrimage destination for Catholics and First Nations peoples in the area.
Though the grotto was demolished in the 1960s due to its dilapidated condition, it was rebuilt in 1997 thanks to the Knights of Columbus and the Mission Heritage Association. The new grotto has since received many pious visitors.
