From time to time we forget what a healing place we have above the campus at the Grotto.  It’s a place for people to go to find solitude, serenity, hope and courage.

The family of Catie O’Brien:

The family of Catie O’Brien: Catie and her family, Mom and Dad and five siblings loved visiting the Grotto from their home in Pennsylvania especially after Catie was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancers.

Her mother recently contacted the Grotto:

“There is an article on your site about our daughter Catie O’Brien and her visits to the Grotto during her battle with brain cancer. Her visits to the Grotto led her on a pilgrimage to Lourdes in France January, 2009. On January 23, 2009 Catie died at home surrounded by her family.

Catie had three wishes for those she left:

1. To be cured – she is cured now in heaven
2. To be the Patron Saint of Pediatric Illness
3. To have Catie’s Wish foundation to eradicate pediatric cancer

We are thrilled that you have Catie on your site. Kevin and I had stopped back many times since Catie's death. It is hard. She wrote a prayer intention and placed it in the box. "Dear God, Please make me better. I have brain cancer." Love, Catie" She turned to me and asked if it was ok. I love that girl!”

Catie’s Mom

To follow Catie's story go to www.catieswish.org