A Place of Sanctuary
Bringing The Grotto to You
Day 78: Then and Now
Almost a Century of History

The Grotto celebrates its 96th anniversary this year. What began as a young boys dream a century ago has become a sanctuary for peace for almost 100 years.

Today we celebrate a how we were and how we remain.

Please enjoy these "then and now" photos. While we do not know the exact dates these photographs were taken, we know the historic photos were taken in the early years of The Grotto.

We hope you enjoy this walk through time.
The Parking Lot

Look closely and you will notice the same rock in the distance.
St. Philip Benizi's Retreat

This shrine is located on the lower level at The Grotto.
The Upper Path on the Lower Level

If you look closely on the left side of the path, you can spot the same two large rocks, and possibly the same tree between them.
The Christus Statue

The building next to the statue in the historic photo was the original chapel at The Grotto. The Chapel of Mary was not built until 1955.
The Grotto Plaza Looking West

Outdoor Mass is celebrated in The Grotto Plaza during the warmer months of the year. The Plaza is a gathering place on the lower level, which is free to all throughout the year.
Our Lady's Grotto

This grotto is located on the lower level in the plaza.T
The Grotto at Night

The marble replica of Michelangelo's Pietà which currently stands in Our Lady's Grotto was added in 1946. It replaced the original statue.
The Elevator

This 125-foot elevator takes visitors to the Upper Gardens.

In the distance you can see Mt. St. Helens, before the volcano's transforming eruption in 1980.
St. Joseph's Grove

This garden and shrine is locate in the Upper Gardens.
The Monastery

The Monastery is the home of The Servite Friars. It was built in 1936.
The Overlook

The Grotto's founder, Servite Fr. Ambrose Mayer, looks out to the north from the overlook, located on the upper level directly above Our Lady's Grotto.
A Sanctuary of Peace

On May 29, 1924, three thousand people gathered for the first Mass and dedication of the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother. At the blessing, Archbishop Alexander Christie offered this prayer:

“Let this be a sanctuary of peace for all peoples of the earth and surely in this day a sanctuary is needed. Torn with differences, strife, and grief, the world needs sanctuary where the human spirit can seek peace and consolation.”

We pray these same words today.
The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon

503-254-7371