The Story of the National Shrine of Our Lady
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Above the lovely valley of Emmitsburg. Situated High on a mountainside overlooking Mount St. Mary's campus and the Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, a great statue of Our Lady rises as a beacon atop the Pangborn Memorial Campanile.

This imposing memorial campanile dedicated to the glory of God and His Blessed Mother" stands at the, entrance to, the National Shrine Grotto, of Lourdes and marks the site of Saint Mary's Church, "the Old Church on the Hill which built in 1805 by Father John DuBois. Father DuBois who later became third Bishop of New York, was founder of Mount St. Mary's College and Seminary, and most importantly served as a tower of strength to Mother Seton in the founding of the Sisters of Charity in the United States and the establishment of St. Joseph's Academy.

Tradition has it that when Father DuBois built his parish church on this lofty site he did so in order that the people in the valley at their daily tasks would look up, see the Cross and their Blessed Mother and would keep the faith. The campanile perpetuates the holy purpose of Saintly DuBois.

The 95-foot tall tower is crowned with a 25-foot gold-leafed bronze figure of the Blessed Mother.

The National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes which stands nearby the campanile is indelibly linked with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton.

It is a spot sacred to the recollections of all who ever visited Mount Saint Mary's College and Seminary. It is in a romantic part of the mountain; a little above the Seminary, where nature displays itself in all its wild and picturesque beauty. Huge rocks, overgrown with moss, project over a ravine where a crystal stream purls down a hill in the midst of deep foliage and wild flowers of various hues.

This holy mountain sanctuary of historic importance has been devoutly tended through the years and extensive renovations made to enhance the shrine that has attracted thousands of pilgrims from all parts of the world for prayer and meditation. Magnificent stone and copper Stations of the Cross replace the old. rough crosses; exquisite mosaic murals that depict the Mysteries of the Rosary along a wooded lane; the Grotto itself was dignified with an altar paved walks and carefully planned landscaping; the shrines of Our Lady of the Lake, Our lady of Fatima, and Saint Francis of Assisi were established; a crucifixion tableaux and a shrine to, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton were erected; Corpus Christi Chapel at the summit of Corpus Christi Lane was restored with new stained glass windows and a natural amphitheater fashioned with seats.

Compatible with these never-ending efforts to bring people closer to our Lord through devotion to His Mother is the Chapel of Saint Mary on the Hill which can accommodate pilgrims desirous of attending Mass and devotional services the year round.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Grotto

Statue of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton behind the Corpus Christi Chapel

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton's diary gives further details of this holy association with the Grotto; "We walked to the Mountain church every Sunday to sing at High Mass and assist at the sermon; there was no bridge over the creek in our way; therefore, when the water was high, we had to cross one by one on horseback; and when low, we passed over on the stones; as there was no clear road to the mountain, we often lost our way in the woods. We carried our dinner in a basket and frequently cooked our meat at the mountain; taking it from the frying pan to place it on a piece of bread without a knife or fork, and ate it standing , as the Israelites of old at the Pascal Lamb. We would then quench our thirst at a neighboring spring and ramble for a time around the Grotto, a wild and picturesque spot some distance from the Church, furnished with seats, covered with vines, wild flowers in luxuriance around it and a gentle rivulet flowing from the rock above. We thus amused ourselves until time for Vespers and Benediction after which we returned to our home in the valley."