A young seminarian who immigrated to America at 20 years of age, lay critically ill and began praying to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He prayed he would recover and promised to build a shrine in her honor. He regained his health, completed his studies and was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest. He never forgot his promise and for over ten years collected rocks and precious stones.
Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein was assigned to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in West Bend, Iowa. This is where his promise and vision came to life. So, it could be said that the bishop at the time chose the setting for the Grotto of the Redemption. The Grotto began in 1912 and was completed 52 years later. Unfortunately Father Dobberstein never saw the completed Grotto, he died in 1954, ten years before completion.
The Grotto was Father Dobberstein’s vision and he planned the various Grottos; although he did have assistance. First being Matt Szerensce who after graduating high school in 1912, worked on the Grotto until completion. In 1946 when Father Dobberstein was 74 years old, Father Louis Greving was assigned to Saints Peter and Paul; this also meant he would assist Father Dobberstein with Grotto building. Father Greving helped build, then cared for the Grotto for 50 years.
Interestingly there is no accounting of how many man hours it took to complete the Grotto nor how much money was spent. This could be because Father Dobberstein wanted everyone to be able to visit and therefore there is no admission. Although donations are gladly accepted.
The Grotto of the Redemption is said to be the largest man made Grotto in the world. In fact, it is not one Grotto, but nine separate Grottos. Each Grotto depicts a scene from the life of Christ. The Grotto is also the largest collection of semiprecious stone and gems in one location. Many have called the Grotto, the Eighth Wonder of the World.
While having work done on our Motorhome at Winnebago Service Center in Forest City, Iowa, someone suggested we visit the Grotto. Not quite knowing what to expect, we were awed. Unfortunately, West Bend is a very small town and was getting ready for its Fourth of July Parade when we arrived so we were not able to give the Grotto enough time. We will definitely return when we are again in Forest City, IA.
Looking at the Grotto, we could only imagine the time, labor and vision that went into its creation. We have seen many centuries old churches and shrines in Europe. Yet looking at the Grotto of the Redemption in the cornfields of Iowa, we can say it does seem to be the Eighth Wonder of the World.
