A Place of Sanctuary
Bringing The Grotto to You
Day 70: Sr. Ruth's Well
The Grotto's Wishing Well

The Grotto's wishing well can be found on the lower level, tucked away in some colorful rhododendrons near the Chapel of Mary.
Sr. Ruth's Well

The Grotto's wishing well has been affectionately called Sister Ruth’s Well, in honor of Servite Sister Ruth Arnott, OSM, who ministered here at The Grotto for more than 20 years.

Her kindness, hospitality, and good humor are fondly remembered by all who knew this remarkable, faith-filled woman.

Sister Ruth died in 2015.

Photo:
Sr. Ruth brings the Servite's dog "Shilo" to be blessed by The Grotto's former executive director, Fr. Jack Topper, OSM, at the annual Blessing of the Animals.
I Corinthians 13:11-13

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. "

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as a child I mostly thought of you as a 'granter of wishes'.

As an adult I now understand that having a relationship with you is not about wishes.

It is about Faith and Trust; Hope and Honesty.

Help me to be honest with myself and you.

You know my heart and my deepest desires.

Please answer my prayers according to your wishes - your will - so that your will may be done in me.

May my prayers include the intentions and needs of others more than for myself.

Through your Son Jesus - with the intersession of Mary - may I continue to grow as a person of Faith, Hope and Love.

Amen.
Supporting The Grotto

All donations dropped into Sr. Ruth's Well will help The Grotto continue its ministry of being a place of peace, prayer and natural beauty.

The Grotto is a self-supporting nonprofit, which would not survive without your generous donations. As we must remain temporarily closed for the health and safety of all, your donations of any size will help us bridge the gap to when our visitors and pilgrims are able to return.
The Grotto's Lower Level

The Grotto's lower level, where the wishing well is located, is free to all throughout the year. We hope it will not be long before we can invite you all back to our beautiful gardens.
The Well in Winter

Please enjoy these photos of Sr. Ruth's Well during the winter and our Christmas Festival of Lights.
The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon

503-254-7371