The 100th anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Bernadette Soubiroux in Lourdes, France occurred in 1958. Many devout Catholics went to France to celebrate this event. Mrs. Emma Pourier, a former schoolteacher living in Rincon, also went to this event.

When Emma returned to Bonaire, she asked Father Berlage to establish a type of grotto in Rincon similar to that in Lourdes. Her goal was to spread devotion for the Virgin Mary, not only in the village of Rincon, but also throughout Bonaire.

So Father Berlage found a cave south of Rincon similar to that found in Lourdes. The owner of the land found it an honor to give away his piece of land for such a divine purpose.

With the land now available, a new commission made up of members of the local Rincon community and Father Berlage was begun, and, after receiving governmental permission, began to build the Gruta di Lourdes.

On December 11, 1958, the Grotto was completed and blessed. First, many local residents took part in a beautiful procession from the village to the grotto, while prayers were said and songs were sung. Then, the statue of the Virgin Mary and Bernadette were placed in the grotto, where they can still be seen today.

Today, the grotto is a place where locals and tourists alike visit for a moment of reflection.