Attempted Arson at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Mission B.C

As reported by The B.C. Catholic during July 4, 2021 in Mission, British Columbia, the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto suffered an attempted arson. Due to the attempt and together with Covid, the pilgrimages being made to the grotto have been cancelled.

This is the second year that events have been cancelled at the grotto. The arson attempt was not the only incident to happen at the grotto. Ryan Murphy, one of the pilgrimage organizers also stated that there had been a rash of graffiti vandalism, property damage like smashed doorknobs and bullet holes had been found on the property.

The pilgrimages had already been scheduled to be cancelled due to the pandemic, but hope of a videoed pilgrimage was there. But with the attempted arson and the vandalism that video may not have a chance.

All damages and incidents have been reported to RCMP. 

The mission grotto was established in 1892 where Bishop Louis-Joseph d’Herbomez made a promise to the Blessed Virgin Mary to build a shrine to honour her. Specifically he had chosen a place where he mediated and his successor carried out this promise, ensuring that it would be built. d’Herbomez died two years after he made his promise.