Grotto a focal point for prayer and reflection

By Wendy Shaw

A refurbished grotto in the Circular Head Parish was the setting for Rosary prayers following a Mass celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on 1 January.

Parish priest Fr Amalorpavaraj Devadoss said the grotto, between St Peter Chanel Catholic Church and school at Smithton, had become a focal point for prayer and reflection following the completion of works.

“It had not been used for several years,” Fr Amal said.

“The first thing we did was clear the trees and bushes around it so people can come and look and sit and pray.

“Now it is really good. It is dedicated to Mother Mary. We pray to Mother Mary. We seek our blessings through Mother Mary.

“A lot of people helped. Thank you to all the volunteers who do all the work, water the garden and who contributed with plants.”

Parishioner Elisabeth Ryan explained that the grotto was built in 1987, at the same time as the church, by Fred Armstrong and his sons, Chris and Tim, with assistance from members of the Knights of the Southern Cross.  But over the years it had become overgrown.

“The grotto was unable to be seen from the church or nearby area due to overgrown bushes and trees,” she said.

“The first step was to remove the shrubs and trim all branches that blocked the view. Also, the lily ponds were removed and the grounds cleaned.

“A morning tea fundraiser was held to raise the necessary funds to relandscape with white garden pebbles and replant a variety of border shrubs and roses. The work began in February 2024.

“The rejuvenated grotto was blessed by Archbishop Emeritus Julian Porteous in September 2025 after completing our annual Confirmation Mass. The work was carried out by Peter Vassallo and members from the parish.”

OSV News reports that in Pope Leo’s homily on the feast of Mary, Mother of God, at St Peter’s Basilica on 1 January, he explained that Mary helped to “give a human face to the source of all mercy and benevolence: the face of Jesus”.

“Thus, at the dawn of the new year, the Liturgy reminds us that for each of us, every day can be the beginning of a new life, thanks to God’s generous love, His mercy and the response of our freedom,” Pope Leo said.

“It is beautiful to view the coming year in this way: as an open journey to be discovered.

“Indeed, through grace, we can venture forth on this journey with confidence—free and bearers of freedom, forgiven and bringers of forgiveness, trusting in the closeness and goodness of the Lord who accompanies us always.

“We recall this truth as we celebrate the mystery of Mary’s divine motherhood.”