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Grotto of the Redemption

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Vanilla Sugar
Vanilla Sugar
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5 out of 5
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A Miracle in Stone: Rocks, Statues, & Faith

  • August 22, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Vanilla Sugar from Livingston, Texas
A Miracle in Stone: Rocks, Statues, & Faith

Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and a "Miracle in Stone", the Grotto of the Redemption spans a full city block in West Bend, Iowa. It is the largest religiously inspired grotto in the world. The Grotto is actually a composite of nine separate Grottos; each portrays a scene spanning the life of Jesus from His birth to His resurrection. The highest point of the Grotto rises forty feet. This mountain commemorates the 13th Station of the Cross – Jesus is taken down from the cross. His limp body lays cradled in Mary’s arms in a sculpture patterned after Michelangelo’s famous Pieta. This is just one of the many Italian Mosaic and Carrara marble statues that adorn sacred place.

More than its size, more than its lifelike statues of the Holy Family and other Biblical figures like Adam & Eve, Moses, and heavenly angels, the minerals and stones used to construct the Grotto make it a geological wonder. One man – Father Paul Dobberstein (1872 – 1954) started construction of the Grotto in 1912 to fulfill a promise he made to God. For 42 years, Father Dobberstein labored setting the rocks and gems into concrete.
According to Rhonda Miller, Director of the Grotto, Father used materials considered to be "junk" at a time. Farmers and landowners were happy to have Father haul the stuff away. That "junk" represents a vast collection of minerals and stones – petrified wood, stalactite and stalagmite, malachite, jasper, quartz crystals, sea shells, and other gems invaluable today. An entry on Wikepedia sets the value of the Grotto gems at $4.3 million. In reaction to that number, Rhonda commented, "Bill Gates couldn’t build it. We can’t rebuild it. The materials aren’t available. The Grotto is priceless."

The Grotto is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its geological value is world renown for rock hounds and artists. Architects study its construction. The non-religious visitors find it a "peaceful place." The Faithful visitors move closer to Christ after they experience the Grotto. Rhonda Miller says she annual visitation to range between 25,000 – 30,000 people. Guided tours are available May through October, and anytime by appointment.

The Christmas Chapel in West Bend

  • August 22, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Vanilla Sugar from Livingston, Texas
When experiencing the Grotto of the Redemption, one could easily overlook the adjacent church. Inside Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church are two things you must see during a visit.
The Christmas Chapel is constructed of ornamental rocks and gems. It contains a Brazilian amethyst that weighs over 300 pounds. This nativity scene is considered to be one of Father Paul Dobberstein’s finest works. He completed the Christmas Chapel in 1927 using materials he considered too delicate to withstand conditions that would affect them if placed in the outdoor grottos.

A wooden altar stands 22-feet high in the sanctuary. Hand-carved out of bird’s-eye maple, this altar won first place at Chicago’s World Fair in 1893.

After admiring the Christmas Chapel and altar, you can light a candle and spend some time in quiet mediation inside this peaceful church.
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