PENDLETON – St. Mary’s Catholic Church dedicated it’s new grotto May 25. The dedication began with an evening mass, was followed by a candle-light procession to the grotto and culminated in a ceremonial blessing. About 70 people attended.

A replica of the grotto at Lourdes in France, the grotto consists of a statue of the Virgin Mary in a natural stone enclosure surrounded by shrubs planted as memorials to deceased members of parish families.

It’s located between St. Mary’s and the Religious Education Building at 800 S.E. Court Ave.

The grotto provides a peaceful place in an outdoor setting where people can go to pray, reflect, meditate or just enjoy some quiet time, said Don Vescio of the church.

“Father Clemens invites the members of the community to come and visit this beautiful shrine,” Vescio said.