Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption

Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is a Catholic Shrine located in West Bend, Iowa.

Hours The Shrine is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F.

Guided Tours Seasonal tours have resumed starting in April and running through October, daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Tours begin at the museum and any adjustments to tour times are listed there.

History

Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein was born in Rosenfeld, Germany on September 21, 1872. He received part of his early education at the University of Deitsche-Krone in Germany. When Paul was 20 years old he immigrated to America. On coming to America he entered the Seminary of St. Francis near Milwaukee to prepare for the Priesthood. It was there that he began to show signs of unusual artistic ability that was to characterize all the waking hours of his earthly existence. He completed his studies for the Priesthood at St. Francis Seminary and was ordained there on June 30th, 1897.