Praying at the Grotto

The Lourdes Grotto is a place of prayer. When visiting the Grotto many pray the Rosary or during Holy Week do the Stations of the Cross. Pope John Paul II added five mysteries to the Rosary, called the Luminous Mysteries or the Mystery of Light, for a total of 20 mysteries. The mysteries are: 

• The Joyful Mystery (Recited on Monday and Saturday): The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38), the Visitation (Luke 1: 39-56), the Birth of Our Lord (Luke 2: 1-21), the Presentation (Luke 2:22-38), the Finding of Our Lord in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)
  
• The Sorrowful Mystery (Tuesday and Friday): The Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26: 36-56), the Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26), the Crowning with Thorns (27:27-31), the Carrying of the Cross (Matthew 27:32), and the Crucifixion (Matthew 27:33-56)
• The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday and Sunday): The Resurrection (John 20:1-9), the Ascension (Luke 24: 36-53), the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-41), the Assumption of Mary, the Coronation of Mary (Revelation 12:1)
• The Luminous Mysteries (Thursday): The Baptism of our Lord (Matthew 3: 13-16), the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), The Proclamation of the Kingdom (Mark 1:14-15), the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-18), the Last Supper (Matthew 26)

References to the Bible have been added. You might want to read these Bible passages as a part of your praying the Rosary.

Holy Week at the Lourdes Grotto, 16-23 March 2008

Photos: Pilgrims at the Lourdes Grotto, Holy Week 2007

Holy Week began with Palm Sunday, 16 March. During this week we remember the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The Lourdes Grotto becomes a center of pilgrimage, especially on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. The road up the hill will be closed to vehicular traffic for the safety of the thousands who visit the Grotto and for the preservation of the quiet and prayerful atmosphere, which is proper to this week of prayer and meditation.

Prayer services will also be held at the Grotto. Inquire at the Mirador Jesuit Villa for the schedule.