“O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!”

Loving God, December days are short and the nights are long; at times the darkness affects our outlook and our relationships with one another. When we are faced with a darkness that overwhelms us, fill our hearts and our minds with the light of hope and the promise of joy. 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.

The Grotto's Christmas Festival of Lights 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.)

Daily Mass

12 noon

Chapel of Mary

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.

Priest Office Hours

10 - 11:45 a.m.

Office is located inside the Visitor Center

30 Seconds of Peace

Enjoy the beauty of The Grotto Plaza on a sunny day.