Our Lady of Lourdes of Scolard (near Powassan)

Marian title of Scolard (near Powassan) (Ontario)
Popular devotion (not officially recognized by the Church)

The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes of Scolard is located near Powassan, Ontario, in the diocese of Sault Ste. Marie (North Bay region). According to the diocese and the local historical accounts, the grotto was built in 1917 by the local community. Since then it has been for decades a Marian pilgrimage place in the North Bay area.

Main data

Origin and history

The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes of Scolard is located near Powassan, Ontario, in the diocese of Sault Ste. Marie (North Bay region). According to the diocese and the local historical accounts, the grotto was built in 1917 by the local community. Since then it has been for decades a Marian pilgrimage place in the North Bay area.

The image and the sanctuary

It is a Grotto of Lourdes located in a country setting, with the image of the Virgin in the style of Massabielle. It is a sanctuary of pilgrimage of a regional character, in which simple vows, such as candles and plates of thanks, have been deposited, attributing the faithful to the intercession of the Virgin of Lourdes various favors. The details of the other artistic elements in the public documentation are not recorded.

Sponsorship and coronation

The grotto is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. There is no canonical coronation of the image or a specifically documented civil patronage.

Party and devotion

The place hosts processions and outdoor masses, especially on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption, and February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The pilgrimages include Mass, procession and prayer of the Rosary before the grotto.

Link to the Rosary

The link with the Rosary is strong and central in this sanctuary: the Rosary is an essential part of the pilgrimages, which combine the Mass, the procession and the prayer of the Rosary before the Grotto. This is in line with the very spirit of Lourdesin devotion, for in Massabielle the Virgin appeared with a rosary in her hands and taught Bernadette to pray.