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Repairs to the Wayside Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes at Immaculate Conception parish in New Lebanon were completed last month with the underwriting support of a generous summertime parishioner.

The 84-year-old stone structure hadn't been maintained in more than five years; cement had deteriorated and facings needed to be redressed. Workers also improved drainage and stonework stability. It took two weeks, but worshipers still had access to the shrine during the renovations.

The outdoor altar sits next to the church and features a statue of Mary, candles and brass lamps for nighttime adoration. The priest who established it in 1929 thought the New Lebanon Valley had a "strong resemblance to Lourdes," said Rev. John Close, the current pastor of Immaculate Conception.

"The shrine was built to resemble the grotto at Lourdes and dedicated to Mary," he said.

Visitors come 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from as far away as Connecticut, Vermont and across the state border in Massachusetts, he continued: "I've seen two feet of snow in front of it and footprints in and footprints out. It's amazing how far some of these people do come."

The shrine attracts people of all ages and walks of life - even groups of motorcyclists will stop to pray - and seems to have an effect on visitors.

"We're not claiming any miracles, but there are definitely people who have been able to come and have their prayers answered," Father Close said. After the shrine's dedication eight decades ago, he said, a man who had previously been disabled left his crutches at the site. In recent times, parish leaders have found canes and crutches left behind.

The site is maintained and decorated with flowers, candles and holiday items by volunteers. It will celebrate its 85th anniversary next July.[[In-content Ad]]

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