Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist prior to his arrest and crucifixion. It also commemorates his institution of the priesthood, and the faithful service that is to be carried out by all his followers.

The Last Supper of Jesus

Jesus celebrated the dinner as a traditional Jewish Passover feast. Christ would fulfill his role as the Christian victim of the Passover for all to be saved by his final sacrifice of his life on the Cross. The Last Supper was the final meal Jesus shared with his Disciples in Jerusalem. During the meal, Jesus predicted his betrayal.

The central observance of Holy Thursday is the ritual reenactment of the Last Supper at Mass, “The Mass of The Lord’s Supper.” This event is celebrated at every Mass, as the Liturgy of the Eucharist, but it is specially commemorated on Holy Thursday.
Holy Thursday Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Upper Gardens admission sold until 5:30 p.m.
The Grotto Gift Shop is open 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Priest Office in Visitor Center

Mass of the Lord's Supper
7 p.m.
Chapel of Mary

Eucharistic Adoration
8-9 p.m.
Chapel of Mary
Lord God, thank you for this new day and the gift of love and friendship. We pray today for the safety of everyone. In particular, we pray for the safe travel of all, whether by air, sea or land. Send you holy angels to guide and protect them on their journey. May they reach their destination in safety and joy. May they always remember you and thank you for constantly guiding and protecting them from all dangers. We ask all these prayers in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Service to others ... reflecting the Gospel

The humble gesture of self-giving service exemplifies the whole of Jesus’ ministry and teachings - and in a small way prepares the hearts of the disciples for the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

Humble service is at the heart of the Servite life. Mary’s faithfulness all the way to the cross challenges each of us to humbly follow where the Lord Jesus leads, and to give fully of ourselves ... give our time, our compassion, our skills and abilities, to serve indiscriminately all those around us.

Below: Fr. Edgar Benedi-An, OSM, helps load clothing and blankets collected for the Portland Rescue Mission.
Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who has participated in our American Red Cross blood drives during Lent.
Upcoming Blood Drive
Friday, April 28
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Peace Garden at The Grotto.
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.
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.