“O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come rescue us with your mighty power!”

All-powerful God, hear our prayer when we call to you, especially when we are troubled by the world around us. Help us to not fear the unknown or the uncertainty in our lives, and reassure us that you are with us always. Amen.

The “O” antiphons have been used in the Roman Catholic Church since at least the eighth century, drawing on passages from the Old Testament that express hope for the long-awaited Messiah. These antiphons are traditionally used with the recitation of the Magnificat Canticle (Luke 1:46–55) each evening from December 17 to December 23.

Below: Father Leo Hambur, OSM, Rector of The Grotto greets visitors at the Christmas Festival of Lights.

The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights is back and will continue nightly through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Day). This annual event celebrates the true meaning of Christmas with music, lights and joy.

More than 150 choirs will perform over the course of 35 nights in the Chapel of Mary, with its cathedral-like acoustics. 

There are nightly puppet shows and caroling in the pavilion tent, and music all around the grounds. And don't forget the millions of lights! New this year - a giant, walk-thru Christmas tree.

Tickets are sold in advance. No cash sales at the door.

Please bring a non-perishable food item for SnowCap.

Volunteers Needed for Festival

Festival would not take place without our wonderful volunteers. We have both indoor and outdoor positions available. Most shifts last approximately three hours.

Today's Hours of Operation

Grounds and Chapel: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Gift Shop: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Upper Gardens: Last admission sold at 2:30 p.m.

Christmas Festival of Lights: 4:30 - 9:30 p.m. (grounds close at 10 p.m.)

Sunday Masses

8 a.m.

10 a.m.

12 noon

Chapel of Mary

Filipino Mass

2 p.m.

This Mass is celebrated on the first and third Sunday of each month.

Complete Mass Schedule

Daily Recitation of the Rosary

Daily recitation of the Rosary at The Grotto will take place everyday, one half hour before each Mass.

30 Seconds of Peace

Relax in the peaceful setting of The Grotto Labyrinth.