Good Shepherd Rosary/Grotto Trail

Located just across Shrine Creek is a recycled asphalt walking path called the Good Shepherd Rosary/Grotto Trail and it is wheelchair navigable. This path begins with a bronze plaque of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who reached out and cared especially for those who were less fortunate in the “eyes of the World.” As a remembrance to the late Bishop Michael Kenny of the Juneau Diocese, this trail is dedicated to him, for he represented the Good Shepherd in many ways, particularly in his respect for life from conception to death. As one walks this trail, you will come upon three semicircled areas, each one containing five bronze plaques of the Rosary. The first area represents the Joyful Mysteries, the second represents the Sorrowful Mysteries, and the third, the Glorious Mysteries.

The present form of the Rosary was established in the Middle Ages after the Hail Mary became popular. The name "rosary" indicates a garland of roses. Linked together in a systematic way, the Rosary beads symbolize a crown of roses. The rosary is Scripturally based and is Christ centered and a rich devotional source of prayer for many Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Plans are to place a statue of Mary, one who carried the Christ child, at the end of the Good Shepherd Rosary/Grotto Trail.