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A very special place in the Diocese of Albany will celebrate a Christmas Eve Mass for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The Vincentian Institute Grotto, better known as the V.I. Grotto, will host the Mass at 5:30 p.m. and it will be celebrated by Father John Tallman.

The Grotto, which is known to many in the Diocese, especially V.I. alums, was modeled after the Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine in France and was built in 1916. The grotto, which is located at the corner of Ontario and Yates in Albany, still looks spectacular but is in need of much internal repair, said Peter Bishop, who is part of The Friends of Grotto, a group which is looking to publicize this gem as well as raise money to repair the fountain, freshen up the inside space and completely overhaul the electrical and plumbing. The grotto can seat about 150 people and has also hosted weddings and funerals, according to Bishop.

Renovations are expected to cost in the $750,000 range, added Bishop who graduated from Vincentian in 1970. The former high school is now the home of the St. Vincent’s Apartments and the Albany Police Athletic League.

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