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In the Thirties, a group of seminarians gathered "field stones" for the construction of stairs, walks and eventually the Grotto. However, the unfortunate financial position of the Schools at the time forbade the diversion of any funds for the project.
The breakthrough came in 1940 when attorney Stanley Mirus, of Detroit, informed Rector Msgr. Ladislaus Krzyzosiak that his client, Mrs. Josephine Rzeppa, a Detroit businesswoman, wished to donate $5,000 to the Schools for a specific project approved by her. The seminary badly needed a new organ, but the cost was $6,000. Mrs. Rzeppa rejected the suggestion and insisted the Schools come up with another idea that was within the limits of her gift. She accepted Msgr. Krzyzosiak’s proposal of the Grotto, and in spite of the Board of Trustees’ not giving its approval because the projected costs were expected to exceed $5,000, the monsignor and then-treasurer, Msgr. Alexander Cendrowski, decided to go ahead with the construction irrespective of what the consequences might be.
The Grotto was designed by the Deprato Statuary Co. of Chicago. Stanley Rozycki Brothers of Detroit were contracted to do the construction. Tufa rock was transported from Blue Hole, Ohio. It is interesting to note that the Grotto was constructed without the use of structural steel. It is a "pressure" construction, utilizing 250 tons of rock and mortar.
The construction was completed in 31 working days, at noon on Christmas Eve, 1941. Bishop Stephen Woznicki, of Detroit and the first Orchard Lake alumnus to be elevated to the office of bishop, dedicated the Grotto on May 24, 1942. Former rector, Msgr. Grupa, delivered the dedicatory sermon.
The overall project was completed with the installation of an iron fence in 1946. The total cost was $12,357, far exceeding the amount of Mrs. Rzeppa’s gift. The difference was made up by numerous donations and candle offerings. Among the donations:
The statues and altar were donated by Rev. John Gulcz, of Wilmington, Del.; Rev. Joseph Tompor and attorney Chester Kozdroj, of Detroit, paid for the electrical work; Msgr. Ladislaus Stanczak, of Erie, Pa., donated the cost of the statue of St. Andrew Bobola in the crypt; the Detroit and Vicinity Students Club donated the stone crucifix on the altar.
The Grotto has remained a favorite place for prayer and meditation by faculty, students and the public. It is estimated that more than 25,000 persons a year take a moment from their busy lives to pause and pray.
