Mount Aloysius’ Miracle Grotto is celebrating 100 years at the college.

In 1918, an influenza epidemic swept the country and thousands of people died.

The Sisters of Mercy at Mount Aloysius helped take care of the sick and they offered healing prayers daily at the Grotto of Our Lady. Miraculously, not a single case of the disease developed at the school.

100 years later, the original Grotto statues are being refurbished and rededicated, thanks to a donation by Cynthia Calandra Zack of Cresson, PA.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of Ms. Zack and the initiative to help preserve this important piece of Mount Aloysius history,” said Dr. John Mills, president of Mount Aloysius College. “The Grotto is a symbol of the mission, values, and work of the Sisters of Mercy in this community.”

The community is invited to participated in the rededication ceremony on February 11, 2019, which was designated at World Sick Day by Pope John Paul II. Bishop Mark Bartchak will celebrate Mass and offer prayers for healing at the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel on Mount Aloysius’ campus at 3 p.m. A procession from the chapel to the Grotto will take place after the rededication ceremony.