The Grotto Upper Gardens will be free to all mothers on Sunday, May 12. Just let our staff in the gift shop or visitor center know to receive your complimentary token to the elevator.
Complimentary Family Photos
Sunday, May 12
10 a.m. - 12 noon
and 12:30 - 2 p.m.
The Grotto Upper Gardens
We will have a photographer ready to take your photo up in the Upper Gardens. You will receive information about how to download your photo after the event.
Your Sanctuary of Peace
We hope you enjoy the photographs of our beautiful sanctuary, which we will share throughout the month of May, as we celebrate 100 years of The Grotto.
Today: The Grotto by the Numbers
Gracious God,
Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the number of things I have to do, or the number of cars on the road, or the number of stairs I have to climb.
But then I remember you are right with me, encouraging me with my tasks, helping me focus on the road ahead, and boosting me up those stairs.
Thank you for your love and care which reduces my burdens and makes my moments of joy multiply.
Amen.
Fun Facts by the Numbers
Today, we share some fun facts about The Grotto ... with a numeric twist.
100
Years since The Grotto was founded by Servite Father Ambrose Mayer in 1924.
236
Number of rose bushes which are planted in The Grotto Rose Garden, located in the scenic Upper Gardens.
3
Tons of food donated to SnowCap, an East Portland food bank, which was gathered at last year's Christmas Festival of Lights and throughout the year.
60,000
Estimated number of attendees at the First International Marian Congress at The Grotto in 1934.
2,385
Units of blood collected by the Red Cross at our 91 blood drives. Each unit has the potential to save three lives.
150
Number of feet above Our Lady's Grotto that the bronze statue of Mary stands. The statue weighs 2,600 lbs.
1233
The year the Order of Friar Servants of Mary was founded in Florence, Italy. The Grotto is a ministry of the Servite Friars.
73,260
Square feet of lawn which has to be mowed by The Grotto's grounds crew throughout the year.
52
Number of miles north of the Meditation Chapel beautiful Mt. St. Helens stands. You can find this beautiful spot in the Upper Gardens.
163
The number of different countries where those who visited our website (thegrotto.org) during the past year live.
3,000
Dollars spent on a down payment by Fr. Ambrose Mayer when he purchased our property from the Union Pacific Railroad.
125
The height in feet of the elevator that takes visitors from the lower level of The Grotto to the beautiful Upper Gardens.
7875
Feet of paved pathway for you to explore when you visit The Grotto. That's approximately one and a half miles.
2,100,000
Approximate number of lights strung at last year's Christmas Festival of Lights.
54
Acres of land The Grotto sits on. The buildings and gardens are surrounded by a dense forest of tall firs, a true sanctuary in the middle of the city.
23 million
Estimated number of visitors who have stepped on the sacred grounds of The Grotto since we opened one hundred years ago.
Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The Grotto Gift Shop has a wide variety of books, Rosaries, cards, medals, jewelry, home decor, yummy treats, gifts, and much more.
