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Historic grotto that was destroyed by vehicle crash at Fort Smith church now restored

According to police, a vehicle allegedly crashed into a historic grotto at a Fort Smith church in July of 2023.

FORT SMITH, Ark. — Saint Boniface Catholic Church in Fort Smith announced that its historic grotto and statue of Mary is now fully restored after a vehicle crashed into it last July

Although the statue of Mary had minimal damage, the grotto, which was built in the 1950's was completely destroyed. The church responded to the incident at the time by saying:

"As parishioners at St. Boniface, we have admired and prayed at the grotto in front of the school. We have asked the Blessed Mother to watch over our parish and us personally. Today, our beautiful lady protected the school from harm," the post read.

After investigating, a Fort Smith police report said the crash involved two vehicles. Police said the vehicles crashed at the intersection of North 19th and North B Street, with one of the vehicles crashing into the grotto. 

On May 7, the church announced on Facebook that the new and restored statue had arrived and they would host a blessing on May 12 at 11:30 a.m.

The blessing will be held at the grotto in front of the education building. The community is welcome to bring flowers to celebrate the return of this historic piece. 

Photos:

Credit: St. Boniface Catholic Church
Credit: Saint Boniface Catholic Church
Grotto restored after crash incident at Saint Boniface church in Fort Smith.
Credit: KFSM

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