Peace Grotto in St. Ruprecht: 20 years of hope and community

Peace Grotto in St. Ruprecht: 20 years of hope and community

In St. Ruprecht an der Raab, in the heart of the community, there is a very special place full of light and hope: the Peace Grotto. Created 20 years ago by the artist Hans Pendl, this retreat has developed into a symbol of peace, community and comfort for people of all nations. Every year around 10,000 visitors seek peace and reflection in the grotto, which can be found on the way to the war memorial. Here you can light candles, listen to the quiet background music and find inner contemplation in a meditative light, reports MyDistrict.

The grotto also houses a memorial for star children, children who died before, during or after birth. The glass plate inside the grotto shows 181 sandblasted stars, each of which can be labeled with a name and date. This place allows affected parents to give space to their grief and honor the memory of their lost children. Every year on the 2nd Sunday in December a memorial service takes place, which is accompanied by a procession of lights to the Peace Grotto Tourism Weiz reported.

Special Peace Mass

On December 14th there will be a special peace mass in the Peace Grotto, celebrated by Pastor Giovanni Prietl. The celebration is accompanied musically by Gottfried Unger, whose songs can also be heard in the grotto. The place, which was originally created with an old cross from Medjugorje, has developed over 20 years into a retreat for grief and hope. Here, visitors are invited to relax in their thoughts and enjoy the contemplative atmosphere.