Historical Notes
Epiphany Pilgrimage – Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos
On a cold winter afternoon, pilgrims gathered along the winding path of the Black Madonna Shrine in Pacific, Missouri, where stone grottos rise from the hillside like a devotional village carved into the earth.
Jeanette McDermott, author and photojournalist and a member of the Walk the Pilgrim's Path Producers Circle, produced the pilgrimage film.
Our January 4 pilgrimage was held in recognition of Epiphany, the feast that commemorates the visit of the Magi and the revelation of Christ to the world.
The remarkable grotto landscape was created by Brother Bronislaus Lusscz, a Polish immigrant monk who arrived in Pacific, Missouri, in 1926. Built from native tiff rock and adorned with shells, costume jewelry, and discarded household objects, the grottos are a striking testament to humble faith and devotion. The result is an awe-inspiring environment that feels both ancient and deeply personal.
Our pilgrimage opened with John Walsh leading us in singing the Ave Maria and storytelling along the pilgrim's path with Executive Director of the shrine, Mike Scully, as we learned about the life of Brother Bronislaus and the history of the shrine.
The afternoon concluded with Bob Kolf leading the Franciscan Crown Rosary, followed by time to visit the gift shop and the Brother Bronislaus Museum.
Pilgrimages like this allow participants to enter into the story and linger there for a while. Read the book that inspired the pilgrimage.