My husband and I visited Key West, FL for the second time in January 2008. I was able to see much more of Key West during this visit and was excited to learn more about the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on the grounds of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church.
This Grotto was created and dedicated after the destruction of the Florida Keys by a hurricane in the early 1900's.
Sister M. Louis Gabriel created the grotto in 1922. At the dedication, Sister Gabriel blessed it saying, "For as long as this grotto stands, this island will never suffer the full force of a hurricane."
In the recent decade, many a hurricane has threatened Florida or the Gulf Coast and forecasters have said that "the Keys are in the path." But, the Keys have not suffered major devastation or loss of life to compare with the hurricane of 1919.
The plaque is inscribed with the following words:
Sr. M. Louis Gabriel S.N.J.M.
Born Nov. 9, 1878
Made her first vows August 5, 1897
1987 - "A Lamp of Faith" - 1948
Teacher-Educator -Friend-Builder
The Lourdes Grotto
Dedicated May 25, 1922
"As long as the Grott0 stands, Key West will never
again experience the full brunt of a hurricane."
Sr. M. Louis Gabriel (1922)
