The population of Aruba is predominantly Catholic, a fact that can be seen by observing the number of Catholic churches located in all of the districts of the island. On a drive to the northeastern coast from San Nicolas is a unique Roman Catholic shrine built into the rocks. The grotto is located in Seroe Preto (black hill).
The Lourdes Grotto, named in commemoration of the famous French religious landmark, was created under the guidance of a priest named ""Erkamp"" and parishioners in the year 1958. A statue of the Virgin Mary, weighing 700 kilos, was hoisted into place in the grotto. Every year, on February 11 (feast of Lady of Lourdes), a procession leaves from the St. Theresita church in San Nicolas to the grotto, where a mass is performed.
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