New Marian grotto at St. John’s Academy dedicated to Monsignor Jeffrey Wald

In what could not be a more fitting way to celebrate the birth of Mary, the mother of Our Lord, the faithful in Jamestown took the occasion to dedicate their new Marian Grotto located outside the walls of the new chapel at St. John’s Academy.

Bishop Folda was joined by the pastor of St. James Basilica, Father Neil Pfeifer, students from the academy, and parishioners of St. James Basilica in dedicating the grotto in memory of Monsignor Jeffrey Wald, the late pastor of the Basilica and a staunch supporter of St. John’s Academy and Catholic education.

Monsignor Wald chose the site of the grotto during the construction of the chapel and expansion project of the academy in 2020 before his death in October of that year. He envisioned an outdoor space that would be used by students, staff, and parish members to aid in their spiritual growth. The grotto was paid for through private donations and memorials to Monsignor Wald.

Before the dedication ceremony, a pie social was held at the St. James Basilica social hall featuring a rosary made of 53 varieties of pies, one for every Hail Mary said in the rosary. Parishioners donated over 80 pies in total for the social honoring the birth of Our Lady.