In the southwestern reaches of Wisconsin lies the quaint town of Dickeyville, named in honor of Charles Dickey, a pioneering surveyor and early inhabitant. At the center of this close-knit community stands the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, a modest brick structure dating back to the late 19th century. However, adjacent to this unassuming church lies an enchanting spectacle: the Dickeyville Grotto and its surrounding garden.
This extraordinary shrine is a testament to the vision of Father Matthias Wernerus, a German-American pastor of the church, who began its creation in 1918. With the dedicated assistance of volunteers, Father Wernerus transformed ordinary materials into captivating artistry. Broken glass, perfume bottle stoppers, seashells, vibrant shards of pottery, stones, and a myriad of other collected objects were meticulously embedded in concrete to form intricate patterns and artwork that adorn the grotto and its grounds. The shrines themselves embody both Christian faith and American values. Remarkably, without the aid of formal blueprints, the grotto evolved into a sprawling outdoor artwork and shrine, serving as a source of inspiration for Father Wernerus to promote Christianity and patriotism. After years of devoted labor, the shrine was officially dedicated on September 14, 1930. Though Father Wernerus passed away in 1931, his inspiring creation, the Dickeyville Grotto, continues to captivate and uplift visitors for generations to come.
This is one of those places that is hard to capture in a photograph. You have to visit it for yourself to see the detail of the objects in the concrete and the imense size of it all.
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