Happy Easter

Happy Easter from the Servite Friars, the Sisters who minister at The Grotto, and the entire Grotto staff. May you have a joyful and blessed Easter.
An Easter Message from the Servite Friars

Click on the video for a message from Fr. Leo Hambur, OSM, Fr. Ignatius Kissel, OSM, Fr. Edgar Benedi-An, OSM, and Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM.

This video includes messages in English, Spanish, Tagalog and Indonesian.
Easter 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.
Easter Sunday Mass Schedule

Outdoor Masses in the Plaza

10 a.m.
12 noon
2 p.m.

REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL FOR EASTER MASSES.
YOU MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED TO ATTEND.
“This is the day the Lord has made”

This is the day that makes sense of all our days: routine days, days of suffering, of joy and of fulfillment. It is the day of the new birth. A day of light and life, which overcomes darkness.

Darkness is a symbol of death, pain, suffering, injustice, violence, and is present in our world where children, women and the elderly are the most violated and abused. Darkness is present in so many situations where there is terrorism and war, especially in those places where Christians are persecuted simply because they choose to live their faith.

Jesus is the light of the world. Let us rejoice on this day: “the day the Lord has made”. To Jesus we say: be my light, be our light.

We thank the Lord for the celebrations we have experienced these days. We ask the Lord Jesus: “Make us witnesses of your light in our family, in our surroundings, in our world.

Jesus never stops loving us. Jesus is with us until the end of time. This is our hope: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Prayer of Praise

From the darkness of the grave
Blood poured out, a crown of thorns
Christ the Lord is risen today
Alleluia!

From the triumph that is won
Over the power and fear of death
Christ the Lord is risen today
Alleluia!

Walking from the empty tomb
Opening wide the gates of life
Christ the Lord is risen today
Alleluia!

Lord of life
You defeated death
To show that we can rise
From all that binds us to the world
Pride, envy, anger, fear
The debt of sin that holds us here
Christ the Lord is risen today
Alleluia!

Lord of life
You defeated death
To demonstrate a love that is
Beyond our understanding
That reaches out even to me
Saving Grace to all who hear
Christ the Lord is risen today
Alleluia!

Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM
A Special Announcement

We are delighted to share the news that the Chapel of Mary will reopen to visitors on Thursday, April 8.

Daily Mass will continue to be livestreamed from the Monastery until the new sound systems is installed, but the main work is done and we are excited to welcome you all inside later this week.
Restoring the Doors

The Chapel's beautiful front doors were one of the last things to be restored.

Below: Before and After
These doors will be open to all on Thursday ...
Click on the video and take a moment to relax and experience the serenity of the sanctuary.

Today, the daffodils dance in the breeze.

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, Father Vidal shares his view of the Good Friday service in The Grotto Plaza.

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 on Easter Sunday in 2020.

Today: Easter Sunday
Special Announcement

Fr. Richard Boyle, OSM, has been given permission by his Servite superiors to retire from the responsibilities of full-time ministry and has transferred to another Servite Community in Southern California. The Grotto thanks him for his service here these last five years and wishes him many blessings and good health in his retirement.
Plaza Office Hours

Monday - Saturday (Not available Thursday)
10 a.m. - 12 p.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.
Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM
Rector of The Grotto
Fr. Ignatius Kissel, OSM
Fr. Leo Hambur, OSM
Fr. Edgar Benedi-An, OSM
Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Let The Grotto Gift Shop be your resource for all your Easter needs, including books, rosaries, cards, medals, jewelry and gifts.

The shop also carries a great collection of items for Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

CURBSIDE PICK-UP AVAILABLE: call 503-261-2424
Upcoming Blood Drives

Friday, April 23
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center

Wednesday, May 19
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center
Food Drive for SnowCap continues through this weekend

We have placed barrels in the Gift Shop and the Visitor Center where we will continue to collect non-perishable food for SnowCap Community Charities during Lent.

To learn more about SnowCap Community Charities, please click here.
Light a Candle for Easter
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.
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.