Best Grottoes to Pray In
Virgen de San Juan de Los Lagos Grotto, Iglesia Santa Julia
Walk through the manicured gardens on the grounds of Santa Julia's Church at Lyons & Tillery at night, and you'll find a little, handmade stucco and brick cave to the Goddess – in her incarnation as Virgen de San Juan de Los Lagos. Hundreds of lit candles flicker, and shadows tremble on the smoke-stained walls. The biography of a whole community is placed at the feet of the Virgen, in the form of photos of babies and soldiers, handwritten letters on torn notebook paper, prayers. Come on, be a petitioner. Kneel on the torn red vinyl and brass footstool. Then stroll the grounds behind the school until you find another grotto, where you may lay your burdens at the feet of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of lost and impossible causes. Light a candle of your own in these tiny temples; make it glow for those you love.
St. Julia's Catholic Church
3010 Lyons, 512/926-4186