Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Upper Gardens admission sold until 5 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.
Summer Hours begin this Sunday
Beginning this Sunday, May 9, The Grotto will be open daily from 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Admission to the Upper Gardens will be sold until 7:30 p.m.
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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.
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.
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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Mother's Day at The Grotto
This Sunday, May 9, is Mother's Day, and there is no better place to celebrate than our beautiful shrine, dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Mother's Day Operating Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Great spots for photos with Mom
Here are just a few of the scenic spots which make perfect backdrops for family photos, a fun activity on Mother's Day.
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This has been a spot for family photos for almost 100 years. Add your memory to the memories of those who have walked these sacred grounds before you.
The Grotto is located on the lower level in the plaza.
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There are many vivid rhododendron shrubs in full bloom.
The shrubs can be found all over the sanctuary, but be sure to visit the Upper Gardens to find those with the most brilliant colors.
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This is the most photographed garden in the sanctuary. The Peace Garden features ponds, streams and flowers.
Located in the Upper Gardens, it is a perfect spot for Mother's Day.
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This spectacular building with the best view of all is always a popular spot for photos. You can find great photo spots both inside and outside of this special place.
The Meditation Chapel is located in the Upper Gardens and perched atop the 110-foot cliff.
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Pope Francis declared 2021 the Year of St. Joseph, making this a memorable spot to capture memories from 2021.
St. Joseph's Grove can be found in the Upper Gardens.
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St. Philip Benizi's Retreat |
This scenic spot provides a beautiful backdrop for photographs. You will also enjoy the tranquil sounds of the water fall.
St. Philip Benizi's Retreat can be found on the lower level.
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Love one another as I have loved you (Jn. 15:12)
As we look at the world around us, we see bitterness, hatred, and strife. The unsettled conditions in many parts of the world all testify to the absence of a true and just peace in our world.
Today’s gospel reading is from St. John who is often called the apostle of love. His words today show us why. He quotes Jesus as Jesus tells his disciples about love. Jesus’ message is a remarkably simple yet a very profound one. It emphasizes the importance of true love. And it seems that the message of Jesus about love speaks to us as we ponder the condition of the world today. This simple message of love provides a remedy for all the bitterness, hatred, and strife we see in our world.
To understand the meaning of Jesus’s command, we must understand what love is. We use the word love all the time, but the true meaning of that word is not always clearly understood. The dictionary defines love as follows: “A deep and tender feeling of affection for or attachment or devotion to a person or persons.” When we love someone, we are genuinely concerned for their wellbeing. And one of the ways to show love to another is to pray for them and for their wellbeing. This is the message that Jesus had for his disciples and that he has for us today: love one another. To be concerned for the wellbeing of one another. To wish one another well. These are remarkably simple words, but they convey a very profound meaning. To show our love for another we must be really concerned about their welfare.
But how would the commandment of love help to bring true peace to the world? By showing those around us that there are many loving people in the world who want just the opposite of the violence and enmity that are so prevalent today. By giving those around us an example of love and helping them to see the fruits of our love. It may be true that one person or a few persons cannot do much to change the world. But as Our Lord showed us when he gave his life because of his love for us, the example of love can be immensely powerful and influence many. We see the same thing in the lives of the saints who loved very much and influenced many other people by their love. Today, if all of us who believe in and follow Jesus really demonstrate our love for one another, we can have an influence on the world around us.
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM
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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, find yourself surrounded by the beauty of the Upper Gardens.
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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, visit the Peace Garden, and listen to the tranquil sounds of the stream.
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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.
Let 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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