Knotted Grotto at St. John the Baptist holds hopes and prayers of Manayunk [photos]

Church-goers at St. John the Baptist Church in Manayunk were inspired to create their own Knotted Grotto this week.

They tied white ribbons to the rail near the entrance, and with it, their prayers, problems and intentions. Parishoner Katy Hack hopes that with it, blessings will come to her fellow church-goers. 

Her trip to the Knotted Grotto at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul earlier in the week inspired Hack to bring  the project to her own parish. Over the course of a couple of days spiritual contributions in the form of written intentions, prayers and loved ones grew.

The tradition of knotting goes back to 17th century Germany.