[NEWS] Grotto highlights needs of poor, image of Mary as ‘Undoer of Knots’

From the Catholic News Service: 

In front of Philadelphia’s Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul stands a visible representation of Pope Francis’ favorite religious image: “Mary, Undoer of Knots.”

The “Knotted Grotto” is a dome-shaped lattice-work frame that stands about 10 feet high with an approximately 20-foot circumference and features tens of thousands of white ribbons knotted into a lattice structure.

Each ribbon represents a prayer intention, which visitors may read and offer in their prayers, as well as add a new ribbon.

Above all the ribbons hangs a large portrait of Mary, the Mother of God, as one who unties the knots of people’s lives.

Project HOME, the Philadelphia organization serving homeless people in the city, has been collecting the pieces of cloth throughout the Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey, regions.