Gruta di Lourdes (The Grotto of Lourdes), Rincon
The 100th anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France occurred in 1958. Many devout Catholics went to France to celebrate this event as did a former school teacher from Rincon, Mrs. Emma Pourier.
When Emma returned to Bonaire, she asked Father Berlage to establish a type of grotto in Rincon similar to that in Lourdes to spread devotion for the Virgin Mary not only in the village of Rincon, but throughout Bonaire. The priest found a cave south of Rincon and the owner of the land was honored to give it away for such a divine purpose. After receiving governmental permission, they began to build the Gruta di Lourdes.
On December 11, 1958, the Grotto was completed and blessed. The statue of the Virgin Mary and Bernadette were placed in the grotto, where they can still be seen today. Even now, the grotto is a place where locals and tourists alike visit for a moment of quiet reflection.
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