On May 9, 1948, the grotto in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary was dedicated to the memory of the 69 Providence College students or alumni who died in World War II. Over the years, Masses were celebrated there, especially during the months of October and May, in honor of the Blessed Mother. Rosary devotions were held in the evenings during those months. The Grotto also became a place for significant college events such as the Baccalaureate Mass, Commencement Exercises, and Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) commissioning. It also became a place for student sunbathing in good weather and athletic contests such as tag football. Given the growth in student population over the years it was decided that a larger worship space was needed. In early 2001, St. Dominic Chapel was dedicated in the area that had been the War Memorial Grotto. The signature “Rosary” group from the Grotto was moved to face the new chapel and the Grotto’s Stations of the Cross were moved to the side of the new chapel.