On June 15th, 2015 the construction of the Prayer Garden began. We wanted to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe with just a small shrine, but with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and many hands, this beautiful Grotto emerged. A mountain of small rock increased to 7 1/2 tons of boulders. It became Mt. Tepeyac where the 8’ bronze statues of Our Lady of Guadeloupe and Juan Diego reside. In front of the Guadalupe grotto are twelve resting boulders that represent the Twelve Apostles. On each side of the garden are miniature lilac bushes that form the boarders of the Grotto. It’s like Mother Mary’s arms are embracing all to her heart and comforting you in her mantle. The giant wooden pergola archway welcomes you throughout the four seasons of Minnesota. It is a prayerful place for all the seasons of life. The St. Nicholas and Guardian Angel statues welcome visiting Pilgrims. Guarding and guiding all who walk the Passion of the Cross with Jesus and Mary to Calvary, as the stations depict the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Rosary Walk starts at the 10 ft. Resurrection cross which is made of granite from the St. Cloud refinery. As you continue your walk you will see four stone niches for St. Mother Teresa, St. Padre Pio, St. Francis and St. Pope John Paul ll. The Holy Family is in the center of the living wall to remind us to keep Christ in the center of each of our families. Adjacent to the prayer garden are some beautiful shrines as part of a devotional walk. They are native to South American countries, south India and Greece. They are honoring apparition sites of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin, and other Saints as they appeared to the indigenous people of that country.