Legend of Milk Grotto
A legend exists in Palestine connected to the fleeing of Joseph and Mary along with Infant Jesus to Egypt, to escape the threat of King Herod. In their attempt to evade the soldiers of Herod, the Holy Family hid themselves in a cave, where Mary nursed the holy baby. While feeding a few drops of breast milk fell on the stone below, transforming the stone into ‘white’ color.
The place is later known as the ‘Milk Grotto.’ Since 4th century, this grotto has been a site of veneration. The first structure was built over it around AD 385. “Milk Grotto” was frequently visited by local women, Christians and Muslims alike, to ask for the intercession of Mary.
The new church, built on top of the ancient cave, was designed by architects Louis Lions and Chiara Rovati, work realized with the support of the faithful Slovaks and Italians. Today, the chapel built at the site of the Milk Grotto is one of the major Holy Land tourist spots.
The Milk Grotto is flanked by monastery entrusted to the sister of the Perpetual Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament. An interior corridor connects the cave with the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament and the Upper Church: Eucharistic Adoration continues all day long and it is possible for all the pilgrims to stop there in silent prayer.
