New Grotto Will Show Mary Statue in a Whole New Light

For more than half a century, the statue of Mary has been a fixture of the northeastern portion of the Kinerk Commons.

Beneath a canopy of evergreens, flanked by Adirondacks, the statue has been a social as well as spiritual center of campus, hosting conversations and an annual May Crowning.

A groundbreaking is expected soon on a new home for the Mary statue designed to ensure this campus icon will continue to serve as a beacon for those looking for a moment of calm.

Made possible by a gift from Rosemary Kilker, the new feature will partially enclose Mary in a stone grotto located between Conway and Massman halls, reachable from a stone path just off the bustling Kinerk Commons.

The path serves as both a “mini-pilgrimage” and helps give the site a sense of quiet that perhaps better lends itself to prayer, said Cindy Schmersal, vice president of mission and ministry.

“This grotto is so much more than a new home for our beloved Mary statue,” Schmersal said. “It is a contemplative site, intentionally sheltered from the bustle of the social center of campus, designed to create a sense of peace and prayerfulness for those looking to connect more deeply with their own spirituality.”

Inside the grotto, made partially with limestone saved from the Sedgwick Hall renovation, will be built-in lights and spaces for candles, along with a displayed prayer for the city, with Mary positioned looking out from the hill onto Rockhurst Road.

Mary Mooney Burns, vice president of advancement, said she’s grateful for the opportunity to bring this important piece of campus history into the future.

“We thank Rosemary for making this project possible,” she said. “With this gift, the Blessed Mother will continue to serve as a source of spiritual peace on our campus in this beautiful grotto, just as she had for generations of students before.”

Work is expected to begin on the grotto soon and be completed some time in the fall.