A Place of Sanctuary
Bringing The Grotto to You
Daily Spiritual Reflection

A wonderful Memorial Day childhood memory I have was watching my dad hang the American flag on the front my family’s house. Every Memorial Day dad arose early, hung the flag and would share memories of his military service at breakfast. My dad was a proud veteran of the United States Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

I loved to hear dad’s stories of his service. Dad was proud to have served his country and proud of his country. He was very aware that the freedom we enjoy in the present was founded on the heroic sacrifice of the men and women of our country’s armed forces who offered their lives on the altar of freedom. My dad’s patriotism was deep. It impressed me to be grateful for the blessing of freedom that is enjoyed as a citizen of our nation.

Today our nation remembers the sacrifices of so many that we can speak our opinions openly, participate in our government and worship freely. In the midst of cookouts and moments with family today, let us remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is our freedom. Let us forever be grateful.

Fr. Don Siple, OSM, Rector of The Grotto
Memorial Day Candles

Purchase a candle to be lighted at The Grotto in memory of someone. Your candle will burn for seven days in the outdoor cradles by The Grotto.

Your support will help The Grotto continue its ministry through this difficult time.

Photo:

 Col. Christopher Blanchard, Executive Director of The Grotto, lights candles in the cradles while we are closed to the public.

Bringing The Grotto to You

We will continue to share a piece of The Grotto with you each day until Masses resume and our gardens open.

The Grotto Gift Shop reopened last week. There are strict guidelines for shopping, and the rest of The Grotto remains closed. However, we are pleased to be making this first step.

To learn more about guidelines for shopping in this early phase of reopening, please click here .

In the meantime, we hope you continue to enjoy our daily emails.
Day 71: Memorial Day
Celebrating Our Heroes

On this Memorial Day, we give thanks to the brave men and women who have given their lives protecting our freedom, and send prayers to the families affected by those losses.

We also take time to honor those who have lost their lives on the front lines of the current pandemic.

Today we celebrate all our heroes.
Memorial Day Prayer

God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride.

Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters.

Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace.

We ask this though Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.
The Grotto in Red, White and Blue
A Prayer for Deceased Veterans

O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son, they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.
Mass Enrollment Cards
Perpetual Enrollment in The Grotto’s Guild of Masses and Prayer honors yourself, your family or your loved ones, and provides support for The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother.

Purchase a Gift Certificate

Not sure what to get someone? Or perhaps you would just like to support The Grotto during our closure?

A Gift Certificate to The Grotto Gift Shop is a great gift. It can be used to purchase admission to the Upper Gardens, candles or store merchandise.

 Shop Online

Check out our online shop if you are unable to visit. And if you don't see something you are interesting in our online shop, feel free to contact our Director of Retail Operations by clicking here and we can make arrangements.
The Series

We hope you are enjoying our daily feature A Place of Sanctuary: Bringing The Grotto to You.

Week 1
St. Francis of Assisi
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day
St. Anne's Chapel
St. Joseph's Grove
The Marilyn Moyer Meditation Chapel
Spring in the Garden
Our Lady's Grotto

Week 2
St. Jude Thaddeus
Statue of Mary, Our Mother
The Pollinator Garden
St. Philip Benizi's Retreat
Pathways of The Grotto
St. Peregrine Shrine
The Servites

Week 3
Here Light Shines
The Peace Garden
Dambana
Looking Up
Feast of Our Lady at the Foot of the Cross
The Rose Garden
Palm Sunday, The Christus Garden

Week 4
Crosses and Crucifixes
Sacred Heart Statue
Angels of The Grotto
Holy Thursday of The Lord's Supper
Good Friday, Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday, Via Matris
Easter Sunday

Week 5
The Forest
Blessing of the Animals
Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine
Colors of The Grotto
Mysteries of the Rosary
Lighting a Candle
Chapel of Mary

Week 6
Come to the Water
Our Lady of Lavang Shrine
Celebrating God's Creation
Our Lady of Lourdes
The Labyrinth
Looking Out a Window
How The Grotto Began

Week 7
The Cliff and Elevator
Lithuanian Wayside Shrine
The Grotto by the Numbers
Music at The Grotto
May Flowers
Take a Closer Look
Outdoor Mass

Week 8
The Feast of St. Peregrine
Celebrating Your Favorites
A Year at The Grotto
The Seven Holy Founders
Views and Perspectives
The Rhododendrons
Mother's Day at The Grotto

Week 9
Twilight at The Grotto
The Peace Pole
Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Shrine
A Seat Waiting for You
The Murals
Mosaics of The Grotto
The Chapel Saints

Week 10
The Grotto Gift Shop
The Servite Mission
Architecture of The Grotto
A Retreat at The Grotto
The Visitor Center
Arriving at The Grotto
Sr. Ruth's Well

Today: Celebrating Memorial Day
The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon

503-254-7371