We Need a Marian Grotto at Marquette University

St. Ignatius of Loyola was intensely devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was the impetus of his conversion, his lifelong devotion to Christ and his founding of the Society of Jesus. He was often referred to as a “Soldier of Mary” and “The Holy Knight of Mary.”

Ignatius knew intimately the incomparable power of the Blessed Mother for captivating souls, protecting them from evil and leading them to Jesus Christ, her Divine Son. For this reason, he consecrated himself and his religious order to “Mary, Queen of the Society of Jesus.”

Marquette University is a Jesuit university entrusted with the formation of the minds and hearts of young men and women. Imparting this most fundamental component of Ignatian Catholic spirituality – Marian devotion – is critical to its mission. The Louis Joliet Society proposes that Marquette do so through the creation of a Marian Grotto on campus as do other Catholic universities (above photo - the Beaudry Shrine at John Carroll University), honoring Our Lady with beautiful spaces dedicated to her likeness where students can pray for her motherly protection, comfort and intercession.

On various occasions, and most recently in this interview (https://medium.com/@marquetteu/focused-on-his-faith-347dcab3be1a#.r92pyt9cf ), Marquette President Dr. Michael Lovell has expressed his devotion to Our Lady and his commitment to giving students as many pathways as possible for them to deepen their faith and take advantage of the great richness the Catholic faith has to offer. We fully support him in this endeavor, and seek to provide whatever assistance he requires to this end.

For additional information go to http://www.louisjolietsociety.com/a-marian-grotto-at-marquette-university/ .