Archangel Grotto

The inspiration for the Archangel Grotto came about through much prayer, discernment and a vision. Barbara Smith said that the Archangel Grotto was to be the first of many devotional gardens that would be built on the grounds of the Marian Center. Along with the Archangel Grotto is the Nativity of our Lord, The Tomb dedicated to the Unborn, Our Lady of Guadalupe, The Holy Spirit Education & Evangelization Center, to name a few. The task for developing the initial imagery of the Archangel Grotto was given to Michael Creaser in 1997, an architect and aspiring student at Steubenville University. With funds limited and a full schedule, it was not until May of 1997, after hearing a priest from Opus Sanctorum Angelurum speak about the Holy Angels, that Michael received the inspiration for the Archangel Grotto design. The priest then spoke of two purposes of Holy Angels 1) to adore and praise God. 2) to help humans obtain their salvation. The priest added that Holy Angels are gathered at the throne of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the Cross on Calvary. Unable draft the construction documents due to his full time education responsibilities, the task was give to another faithful supporter of the Marian Center, Daniel Gorman. Dan would draft the construction documents from Michael’s sketches, keeping the spirit of his vision. An artist from Chicago sculpted the archangels and a builder from Petoskey, Erwin Doublestein, headed up the actual construction of the Archangel Grotto.The Archangel Grotto was dedicated in the summer of 1998. It has been a source of inspiration, peace and prayerful discernment ever since. The Archangel Grotto is the only grotto of its kind in the state of Michigan, honoring the three Archangels: Raphael, Michael and Gabriel, and the only grotto of its kind in the country.

Marian Center Archangel Holy Cards

These beautifully designed Archangel Holy Cards are an exclusive from the Marian Center. The fronts feature each of the three Archangels from the Marian Center Archangel Grotto. The backs include a distant view of the Archangel Grotto and an intercessory prayer specific to that Archangel. The Holy Cards of the Archangels: St. Michael, St. Raphael and St. Gabriel are personal reminders of the intercessory power and protection Archangels have in our spiritual lives. They also remind us of the protection we receive from our own guardian angels.

The Marian Center Archangel Holy Cards can be purchased in sets below.

Archangel Raphael Archangel Michael Archangel Gabriel