Noble words, even those of papal encyclicals and bishops' pastoral letters, are not always translated to lasting monuments in small country parishes. Memories of events in Kilmore parish in 1955 may now be a little hazy in many respects, but there are no doubts as to the source of the inspiration to build the grotto. Father Paul Johnson served in Stonebridge from 1953 to 1957 and is credited as being the initiator of the project. The late Joe Rafferty, long time Principal of Ballyhegan school, writes in two previous parish publications of Father Johnson "he had vision" and was "a man apart" in reference to his energetic and hands-on approach to a variety of projects. If the inspiration came from Father Johnson, contemporary newspaper reports and recollections today, indicate that he was very ably supported. The project was undertaken by "a band of diligent parishioners" with, it appears, an equally diligent ladies' committee. There are risks of inaccuracy when recording memories of an event after a lapse of 50 years. Nevertheless, some use will be made of recollections which appear relevant. Most of the stones for the grotto came from an old house in Annahugh townland at one time occupied by people named Loughran. A number of men worked on the construction, including those who appear in the contemporary photograph elsewhere in this booklet. Recollection appears to indicate that Father Johnson took the lead in directing the construction. There does not seem to have been any plan on paper and the work was undertaken in response to ideas presented by him. Some very large stones were used, requiring several men to manhandle them into place so there was plenty of work for all involved. Patsy McAtarsney and Pat O'Hagan, both now deceased, were involved as builders in the construction; but the impression is that no one wished to take particular credit for their involvement looking on the project as a parish effort where anyone, who could, did their bit.