About this Location
Benedictine College built Mary’s Grotto in 2008 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of two 1858 events: the appearance of Our Lady in Lourdes, France, and the founding of Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
The grotto is in the heart of campus. The figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary can be seen from residence halls, playing fields, major campus buildings and our main walkway. The grotto has become the center of several Benedictine traditions: Incoming Freshmen begin their convocation there, and graduating seniors end their time on campus there. Each year on the first Sunday in May, women students who plan to enter religious life crown the statue of Mary. Students who have decided to become seminarians serve at Mass before the crowning.