|
On an assignment
to take festival pictures, I spotted a
lovely sight that might have been easily
overlooked. It was so covered by numerous trees
and evergreen
This lovely spot
is located at Transfiguration
Parish, on Simon K Street in Detroit. The rock
formation and the numerous trees reminded me of
a private little spot in
the woods.
Following up on
my curiosity, I walked around to the front and
through
a gate that
swung open to the touch. And there, to my
amazement,
found one of the
loveliest sights I've seen. In the midst of the
city
and a busy rural
area, here was a beautifully wooded spot
surrounding
a Grotto.
Walking into the
shrine, I noticed a fountain with an angel on
each
side of the entrance. A kind of guardian of
this very private place.
Inside the small
building were four kneelers and votive lights on
either side of the altar. Around the altar is a
beautiful mosaic of
"Our Lady of Czestochowa".
Here was one of the most private little spots to
stop and meditate in complete privacy. On
entering, you feel a complete isolation from the
hustle and bustle of the city, and a
peacefulness steals over you and
you are
suddenly transported into an intimate little
world where you
can communicate your deepest
thoughts and feelings.
Following up information on the shrine, I was
informed that it was commissioned by Father
Kilar, the pastor at the time of the
construction,
which was in 1939. It was built to "symbolize
our Polish heritage and is a constant
reminder of who we are".
Much of the work on the grotto, its grounds,
trees and artistic rock formation was done by
the people of the parish. It is open 24 hours
a day* and vigil
lights may be purchased and placed at the altar
as a special offering for special requests.
"Some people and
their families come every day", said the parish
secretary. "They have a special devotion to Our
Lady".
Many people bring out-of-town visitors to
this spot. Not only is
it a spiritually
satisfying visit, it is also a lovely tourist
attraction.
Two years ago the fountains were restored and
are used on special occasions. Although the
shrine is open 24 hours, there have been
problems with vandalism inside the shrine and
even to the fountains.
Even so, it remains a quiet retreat, beautiful
and peacefully
isolated from the noise and dirt of the City.
Article reprinted from "The Citizen" 9-2-79
|
