Imagine a place where heaven touches earth. That place is the Lourdesgrotte. The Lourdesgrotte in Heiligenkreuz is a special place. It is near Vienna in the Vienna Woods. This religious monument honors the Virgin Mary.
Like other Lourdes grottoes, it reminds us of the grotto in Lourdes, France. The original grotto is where the Virgin Mary appeared. Heiligenkreuz is on the Via Sacra pilgrimage route. This route goes from Vienna to Mariazell. Mariazell is Austria’s national Marian shrine. Heiligenkreuz has long been a stop for pilgrims.
The Cistercians of Heiligenkreuz Abbey value Mary. They say faith grows where Mary is worshiped. The Church is loved where Mary is loved. The Lourdesgrotte provides a special place for pilgrims. It was built in 2017. It sits by the Sattelbach stream. It is near the medieval granary. Archbishop Peter Stephan Zurbriggen consecrated it. He was the Apostolic Nuncio in Austria. The consecration was on August 14, the eve of the Assumption of Mary.
An old Madonna of Lourdes statue is in the grotto. It dates back to the early 20th century. The Heiligenkreuz Abbey received it as a gift. It has been restored. It now stands in a natural hollow in the rock. An altar is in front of it. It is cut from the same stone. Since August 2020, a statue of Saint Bernadette Soubirous is also in the grotto. An unidentified benefactor donated it. Abbot Pius Martin Maurer of Lilienfeld Abbey blessed it. This happened during a candlelight procession on August 14, 2020.
Even though Mary is with God, she wants to be among us. Lourdes and Fátima show Mary’s motherly love. The Lourdesgrotte in Heiligenkreuz echoes this sentiment. It offers a place for reflection. It reminds us of Mary’s closeness. The Maria-Lourdes Grotto near Maria Gugging is well-known. Many people visit the grotto in the Vienna Woods. They honor Mary. They ask for her guidance.
A cross rises high from the rock. Below it is the grotto. The Blessed Sacrament is kept on the altar. Eucharist is celebrated daily from spring to late autumn. To the left of the altar kneels Saint Bernadette. She looks up at Mary with love and trust.
The Lourdesgrotte is a place of peace. It provides heavenly tranquility. It is where heaven has touched the earth. God and Mary feel close here. The same materials were used for the copy of the altar as in the French Lourdes, namely pure marble.
Visiting the Lourdesgrotte provides an experience of peace. It’s a place where faith becomes alive and strong. Remember this place where heaven and earth meet. Carry its peace with you. Let Mary guide you closer to Jesus.