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.
What's in Bloom?

More rhododendrons are starting to bloom in lots of colors. They should peak in another week or so.

The bright greens of spring are lighting up the sanctuary, from the green grass to the new leaves.
Mass at The Grotto

We are delighted to have resumed in-person Mass, following the restoration of the Chapel of Mary.

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 word 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

Spanish Mass: Second and Fourth Sunday of the Month at 2 p.m.

Tagalog Mass: Third Saturday of the Month at 10 a.m.
The Martyrdom of St. Stephen

St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. In the earliest days of the Church only those who, like St. Stephen, suffered a martyr’s death were recognized as Saints. The reason was that sanctity is conformity to Christ, and one who died as Christ did, a witness to the truth, was seen to be truly holy. When the period of persecution ended and martyrdom became rare, the Church examined its understanding of sanctity. The Church recognized that being like Christ is the correct criterion of sanctity, but she realized that physical martyrdom was not the only sign of such conformity.

Today we recognize a large number of people as saints who underwent natural death. Each one of these saints manifested some special characteristics of Christ since no one saint can completely reflect the sanctity of Jesus himself. In St. Vincent de Paul we see the love and care which Jesus had for the poor. We observe in St. Francis of Assisi the poverty of Jesus himself. St. Therese, the Little Flower, shows us his simplicity and devotion to His Father. St. Piux X, who lowered the age for first communion from twelve to about seven, manifests the love which Jesus had for little children.

Each one of us is called to be a saint. We may never be canonized by the Church, but our basic vocation in life is to live as Jesus did. We need not try to determine the specific way we will be like Jesus. Rather we must draw upon the important source for becoming like Jesus, and that is the Holy Eucharist. Jesus in the gospel today proclaims: “I am the bread of life”.  Jesus wishes to give us a share in His own life, and that is what sanctity is all about.

Prayer

O glorious St. Stephen, faithful imitator of Jesus Christ martyr in will and in reality, so full of charity, zeal, love, and purity, intercede for us; you who are so high in the favor of God, we do entreat you to procure for us a little spark of that divine love which animated your heart, that we too one day may have the happiness of seeing our God face to face. Obtain for us that virtue for which you were so eminent: Charity.

Amen.

Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM 
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.

Click on the video and take a moment to relax and experience the serenity of the sanctuary.

Today, a couple of Mallard ducks enjoy a sunny afternoon in the Peace Garden pond.

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, take a walk through the trees at sunset.

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.

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 carries a great collection of items for Confirmation, First Holy Communion, and the Year of St. Joseph.

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

The Grotto is pleased to partner with the American Red Cross in 2021 to host blood drives, including many regularly-scheduled drives which have been displaced by the pandemic.

Next Drive:

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

Future Drives:

Wednesday, May 19
Friday, June 18
Wednesday, June 30
Thursday, July 22
Friday, July 23
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.