Key West, FL * 09.24.2022 * Stopped in to light a candle and say a prayer of protection at The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea. I am sure the nuns will take up residence soon and begin their vigil. In 1922 Sister Louis Gabriel led a contingent of nuns and, using local coral rock, built an Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine grotto behind the parish. Her blessing was “As long as the Grotto stands, Key West will never experience the full brunt of a hurricane.”
Since that day, the nuns have stood watch, as Key West has been in the path of several hurricanes, including Irma, but has suffered surprisingly minimal damage. Soon the nuns will go out to the grotto and begin their prayer vigil for Hurricane Ian. They will stay at the grotto, out in the elements, until the storm has safely passed. I invite all of us to join them in prayer, for them and all in Ian’s path, especially for the homeless and those living in the trailer parks.
