Emmitsburg in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Amleto Cardinal Cicognani
National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes
Amleto Cardinal Cicognani
Cardinal Secretary of State 1958-1973
Under Pope John XXIII - Paul VI
While serving as apostolic delegate to the United States Amleto Cardinal Cicognani frequently sought the beauty and spiritual solace of this historical sanctuary through private pilgrimages - often, with a bouquet of flowers to present to our Lady in thanksgiving.
His great devotion inspired a vision of the grotto accessible to the general public, prompting him to encourage Msgr. Hugh J. Philips, chaplain of the grotto, October 1958, to develop and enhance the entire grotto area and facilities.
From his office in Rome, as secretary of state, His Eminence continued this interest by arranging for a rich grant of indulgences for shrine pilgrims. Pope Paul VI, instructed that the prayer, “O Mary, Virgin and Mother of God, pray to Jesus for me”, be added to the requirements for gaining the indulgences. In 1963, he approved the title of the grotto to be The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. In 1965, Pope John Paul VI requested Lawrence Cardinal Shehan to designate the grotto a public oratory.
The devotion of Cardinal Cicognani to this shrine continued to his death in 1973.
Requiescat in Pace
Erected by Mount St. Mary's University, National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.
Location. 39° 40.927′ N, 77° 21.381′ W. Marker is in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker is on Mt. St. Mary's University, on Corpus Christi Lane, the processional path leading northward into the National Shrine from the parking area at the end of Grotto Rd. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Emmitsburg MD 21727, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes (a few steps from this marker); Pangborn Memorial Campanile (within shouting distance of this marker); Cornerstone of the Old Church on the Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (within shouting distance of this marker); William Elder, Sr. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The John Hughes Cabin (about 300 feet away); Site of Father Dubois House (about 300 feet away); Corpus Christi Chapel (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Emmitsburg.
Also see . . .
1. National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. "This beautiful mountain shrine devoted to Our Mother Mary attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year from all over the world. ..." (Submitted on March 26, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Our Lady's Grotto. "...it should never be forgotten, that the Grotto was an authentic shrine of Our Lady long before the construction of the Lourdes Shrine, which is the present center of devotion." (Submitted on March 27, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional keywords. Grotto of Lourdes; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,701 times since then and 11 times this year. Last updated on February 14, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 26, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.