Today's Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Upper Gardens admission sold until 7:30 p.m.
Masks must be properly worn at all times while visiting The Grotto. Please maintain six feet of space for social distancing and follow all instructional signs.
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Daily Recitation of the Rosary
Pope Francis invites Catholics and Marian Shrines around the world to dedicate the month of May to a marathon of prayer for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Daily recitation of the Rosary at The Grotto will take place everyday, one half hour before each Mass during the month of May.
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Mass at The Grotto
We are still under strict capacity guidelines due to the pandemic, which is 80 indoors, and 200 outdoors, so please follow direction from the ushers.
When attending Mass, social distancing is required, and masks must be properly worn the entire length of Mass. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Mass Schedule
Daily Mass (Monday - Saturday): 12 noon
Sunday Masses: 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 noon
The 10 a.m. and 12 noon Masses will be held outdoors, weather permitting.
Spanish Mass: Second and Fourth Sunday of the Month at 2 p.m.
Tagalog Mass: Third Saturday of the Month at 10 a.m.
Beginning in June, the Tagalog Mass will be celebrated every first and third Sunday of the Month at 2 p.m.
St. Peregrine Healing Mass: First Saturday of the Month at 12 noon
At this Mass, those who wish may receive a blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of those with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
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Blessed Francis of Siena, Servant of Mary
Francis was born in Siena in 1266. Francis felt the calling to religious life at an early age, but he judged it his duty to help his blind mother. After her death, Francis, then twenty-two years of age, entered the Servants of Mary in Siena. Three years later he was ordained to the priesthood.
He was known for his obedience, zeal in preaching and, above all, for his love of the Eucharist and his devotion to Our Lady. Francis showed a constant concern for his confreres, for the needy and for the suffering whom he sought to counsel and console. He celebrated Mass with great devotion every day and honored Our Lady with many acts of reverence, and he dedicated to her all his actions as priest and friar.
His actions on the last day of his life form a wonderful synthesis of his spirituality: a loving concern for others, because of which, he went to visit his friends and those dear to him, although he sensed his imminent death; an affection toward his confreres, with whom he wished to eat a last meal; his love of the Eucharist, which he celebrated that same day, the vigil of the Ascension; his zeal in preaching and his obedience, for he started out toward the village of Prisciano, where he was to preach, even though he was weak and fainting; his love for Our Lady, before whose small altar he genuflected while he placed a bouquet of roses there in her honor.
Francis died on May 26, 1328. Francis was beatified by Pope Benedict XIV in 1743. His body is venerated in the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi in Siena.
Prayer
Fill us, Lord God, with the same dedication and gentleness with which Blessed Francis devoutly served the Mother of God and provided spiritual direction for your people. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM
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Catholic Bible Study Livestream
The Grotto is pleased to announce a new program, Catholic Bible Study.
Every Saturday at 10 a.m. we welcome everyone to join Fr. Edgar Benedi-an, OSM, via livestream from The Grotto, for an hour of bible study, giving those who desire an opportunity to deepen their knowledge about the word of God in the Sunday readings. This will provide time each week to deepen our knowledge and faith in the Lord Jesus and assist us in becoming matured Christians.
If you are unable to join us at that time, the video of the livestream will be available on our YouTube channel for the entire week, so you may watch at a more convenient time.
While it won't be possible for Father Edgar to entertain questions during the hour, viewers are encouraged to email their questions or comments to Father Edgar so he can address them during the week.
We will begin Saturday, May 21, the birthday of the Church, and study the Gospel for Pentecost Sunday.
Stay tuned for a link to the livestream, which will be shown via our YouTube channel.
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Remembering a year ago:
Bringing The Grotto to You
One year ago, in response to the growing pandemic, we began a series of daily emails called "A Place of Sanctuary: Bringing The Grotto to You." We closed completely a short time later, and that closure lasted for months.
The "Bringing The Grotto to You" series highlighted a feature at (or about) The Grotto each day. The series lasted for 88 days, the length of our closure.
We hope you enjoy this feature, "Looking Back", where we will share a piece of those emails every day for 88 days. Click the link below to view today's feature, which was originally shared this time last year.
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Click on the video and take a moment to relax and experience the serenity of the sanctuary.
Today, enjoy the tranquil sights and sounds of the reflecting pool outside the Meditation Chapel.
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Join Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM, Rector of The Grotto, for a daily stroll through the garden.
Each day, enjoy photos and videos taken by Father Vidal, often during hours when the grounds are closed.
Today, two ducks enjoy a peaceful pond in the Upper Gardens.
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Plaza Office Hours
Monday - Saturday (Not available Thursday)
10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
A Friar will be in the office attached to the Visitor Center during the above hours.
They gladly await your request for confession, spiritual guidance and blessing of articles. You may also set up an appointment for a blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine. Masks and social distancing are required.
You are also welcome to contact a Friar directly at the emails listed below.
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Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The Grotto Gift Shop carries a great collection of items for Mother's Day, including jewelry, home decor, accessories, books, rosaries and greeting cards.
CURBSIDE PICK-UP AVAILABLE: call 503-261-2424
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If you are unable to visit in person, you may purchase a candle to be lighted at The Grotto. Your candle will burn for seven days in the outdoor cradles.
Your support will allow our sanctuary to continue its mission of being a place of peace, prayer and natural beauty for all.
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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.
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