Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto places 400-pound statue of the Virgin Mary

A 400-pound statue of the Virgin Mary has been installed at the historic Grotto & Gardens of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The grotto, which was built in 1927 on the grounds of the old St. Joseph Infirmary, has been restored over the past six years by a group of elderly volunteers known as the Grotto Grannies.

The statue of the Virgin Mary was paid for by donations to the St. Joseph Area Association, which has helped with the grotto’s restoration project over the years. Local contractor Mike Bisig, a supporter and contributor to the grotto’s restoration, installed the statue, which was paid for by the Martin brothers — Bob, David and Tom.

Ruth Gerlach, who hads the Grotto Grannies, said they are in need of volunteers to help maintain the grotto. For information, call Gerlach at 637-6108 or Gayle Linville at 637-3159.