At long last, Knights of Columbus Saint John Neumann Council 7032 is set to install a statue to honor Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney in the prayer grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Glassboro. The statue of the young Catholic priest, who founded the Knights in 1882, will serve as the capstone of the Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish outdoor grotto.
Joseph Williams, Grand Knight of the council, shared the timeline of the construction of the grotto, which, according to the bronze plaque at its entrance, was dedicated “in remembrance of, and celebration for, life” in November 1998.
Today, the outdoor place for prayer’s winding pathways are ringed by wooden Stations of the Cross and studded by a monument for the unborn, as well as statues of Saint Katharine Drexel, the heiress and second American-born saint; Saint John Neumann, a priest who founded the first Catholic diocesan school system in America and patron saint of the Knights’ council, and San Lorenzo Ruiz, the patron saint of Filipino youth and altar servers. Benches supply a comfortable place to stop and pray, and plantings add to the tranquil setting.
The Knights set a budget of $2,500 to purchase a statue of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney, but their attempts to clear a space in the grotto for its installation was disrupted by COVID, supply chain delays and unexpected price increases of the pavers to anchor the statue in the ground.
Determined to see it take its place in the grotto, the Knights had a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 13, the feast day of the Knights’ founder. A follow-up work session was held Sept. 3. Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish pastor, Father Allain B. Caparas, blessed the men’s work and will consecrate the statue when its installation is complete.
“Everyone used their gifts and talents and professional knowledge. They brought their skills to the table,” Williams recalled of the groundbreaking and work session.
Pending the arrival of pavers and caps for the final installation, the statue will stand at the entrance of the grotto, looking inward. Williams foresees Knights meetings taking place in the grotto in good weather.
Williams was matter-of-fact when he explained the Knights’ work to install the Blessed McGivney statue, saying, “He is the reason we do what we do: why not put him there? Prayer is what we need.”
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