Revitalization efforts continue in Tri-C area
By JENNIFER DITLEVSON HAGLUND Staff writer
Years after the original grotto that was first dedicated in 1921 tumbled down, students from Conception Seminary College replaced it by building one on the same spot. It was dedicated on May 4, 2012. This fall, Tri-C and surrounding communities are invited to attend a memorial walk to visit the grotto and learn more about a piece of the community’s past.
CONCEPTION — Since Tri-C Partners 4 Progress began in 2009, the group representing the Tri-C area has sought to revitalize, maintain, and generate interest in Clyde, Conception, and Conception Jct.
“We’ve been trying to see how we can energize people in the area, especially young people,” said Fr. Daniel Petsche.
Petsche works on the Community Action Renewal Team steering committee for Partners 4 Progress, and he represents Conception Abbey. Partners 4 Progress is responsible for creating a local business directory, maintaining a website for potential visitors, and organizing volunteer opportunities for people to maintain public spaces.
“It’s about restoring pride,” said Petsche. “We want people to look at our little community and see that it’s well-kept.”
As a part of renewing interest in the Tri-C area, the group will sponsor a walk to an often-forgotten landmark in Conception on September 25.
During an outbreak of smallpox in Conception in the early 20th century, Benedictine Brother Herman Kampshof petitioned Mary to intercede and protect members of the abbey and seminary from contracting the illness.
In gratitude for answered prayers, Kampshof built the grotto along a path in a field in 1919. It was dedicated two years later.
Over the years, the grotto decayed and fell apart, but that wasn’t the end of it.
According to a report by the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Alan Brown, a student at the seminary, planned to restore the grotto during the 2008-2009 school year. When Brown had a heart attack in 2009, however, the project’s progress halted.
Kyle Dugan, a Wichita diocese seminarian, picked up the rebuilding effort four years ago. The new grotto was dedicated May 4, 2012.
One of the brothers from the abbey will guide the walk to the shrine and be available to answer questions.
“It’s a great way to promote the history of the abbey, and invite people to bring their kids,” said Mary Lee Meyer, who works on the Business Action Team steering committee.
“It’s a celebration of something unique in the Tri-C area that we can highlight,” Petsche said.
Those who are interested in attending the event, but have physical limitations to walking the distance, can use golf carts provided. Following the walk, participants can stay to roast marshmallows and hot dogs.
The event does not have a fee but does require attendees to bring one personal hygiene item for donation.
