The Grotto at Saint Leo
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Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and
Gethsemane Grotto
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Nestled across from Saint Leo Abbey on State Road 52, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and Gethsemane Grotto (also known as just "The Grotto") are serene sanctuaries offering peaceful retreats for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. The Lourdes Grotto, constructed in 1916 under the guidance of Abbot Charles Mohr, was built to give thanks for the successful acquisition of land by the abbey. Local stoneworker Henry Moeller, a “roamer from Switzerland,” completed the grotto using stones from a nearby creek bed, finishing the work in just under six months. Abbot Mohr himself was buried at the grotto in 1931.
In 1935, the Gethsemane Grotto was completed by Abbot Francis Sadlier, constructed from Florida Coral, limestone, and flint. This newer grotto features three arched openings and serves as a place of quiet reflection for the community. A memorial at the site commemorates 14 Saint Leo students who died in World War II and one who perished in the Korean War.
Both grottos have long been treasured spaces for the Saint Leo community, with the Lourdes Grotto hosting the first Mass on December 8, 1917, in celebration of the Immaculate Conception. Today, these grottos remain significant landmarks, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the busyness of daily life, with benches placed throughout the area for quiet contemplation.
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