St. Malo Shrine and Grotto

St. Malo Parish and Blessed Margaret Pole Catholic Community is a bilingual (French and English) Catholic congregation located in St. Malo, Manitoba. Established in 1892, the French-speaking parish and the English-speaking community, founded in 1993, offer a warm and welcoming environment for worship and spiritual growth. The parish is known for its serene Ave Maria Grotto, a place of reflection and pilgrimage, and its rich history rooted in the local community. Learn more about the grotto.

St. Malo Parish and Blessed Margaret Pole Catholic Community is a vibrant, bilingual Catholic congregation serving the communities of Manitoba. The French-speaking St. Malo Parish was established in 1892, while the English-speaking Blessed Margaret Pole Catholic Community was founded in 1993. Together, they form a welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates both faith and heritage.

The parish is known for its beautiful Ave Maria Grotto, a peaceful outdoor space for prayer and meditation. The grotto is open 24/7 and features stations of the cross, benches for reflection, and a chapel. It also hosts annual events such as the Diocesan Pilgrimage on the third Sunday of August and live Passion Plays Review 1. The grotto is accessible for wheelchair users during special events, and picnic tables and washrooms are available for visitors Review 3.

Worship services are offered in both French and English, with bilingual masses on Thursdays and Sundays. The parish also provides sacraments, weddings, and funerals, and offers hall rental for community events Parish Services. The calendar lists daily and Sunday mass times, as well as other events and retreats Calendar.

The community is committed to fostering spiritual growth and outreach, with a mission to support one another and build a welcoming environment for all. The parish office is open for contact and reservations for events, and the grotto is maintained with care by local Métis youth during the summer months Grotto.

St. Malo Parish and Blessed Margaret Pole Catholic Community in Saint Jean Baptiste, Manitoba, offers a serene and welcoming space for spiritual reflection and worship. The bilingual congregation blends French and English traditions, with services and masses that reflect this heritage. First-time visitors will find a peaceful atmosphere, particularly at the Ave Maria Grotto, which features stations of the cross, meditation benches, and a chapel open for quiet prayer and community events.

Pros

• Bilingual French and English services and masses reflect the community's heritage.
• The Ave Maria Grotto provides a serene outdoor space for prayer and meditation, open 24/7.
• Clear service times are posted for weekday and Sunday masses, adoration, and confessions.
• Facilities include accessible features like a service ramp for wheelchair users during events.
• Annual events such as the Diocesan Pilgrimage and Passion Play offer communal worship experiences.
• Picnic tables and washrooms are available for visitors, enhancing the welcoming environment.

Cons

• Some visitors have noted the presence of poison ivy near the grotto, requiring caution.
• The grotto's remote location within a forested area may require visitors to navigate stairs and natural terrain.
• Limited information on family or youth ministries specific to the grotto or parish.
• Accessibility features are noted only for events, with no details on permanent accommodations.
• The website provides general information but lacks detailed guidance for first-time visitors.
• Clear signage or directions to the grotto from main roads may be limited for newcomers.