A Place of Sanctuary
Bringing The Grotto to You
Daily Spiritual Reflection

Many of us played “hide and seek” when we were kids. It was a fun challenge to discover the best place to hide so as not to be found. Likewise, it was a great feeling of accomplishment to find someone hiding using one’s own sleuthing skills. Playing hide and seek could go on for hours turning a boring day into one of great adventure.

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus seems to indicate a game of hide and seek with his disciples. He tells them “a little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me” (John 16:16). Yet, in what seems to be a confusing statement, is actually an invitation to a great adventure. Shortly, Jesus will die and rise to bring salvation to humanity. The disciples have been chosen to be witnesses of this. Yet, their confusion lies in not fully understanding the adventure. Jesus’s death while bringing the disciples great sadness will become their joy and that of humanity. Their experience of Jesus’ life, passion, death and resurrection will become the adventure of their lives as they share Jesus’ story with others. Their grief at Jesus’ death will become joy as others come to know Jesus as they do. Jesus’ leaving the disciples in death only to return as the risen Lord is the reason for Jesus calling them to the adventure of being his disciples.

Over 2000 years later, you and I live this adventure as we live our faith. Daily we are confronted with challenges to believing in God and that He loves us. Yet, when we see Jesus’ story as part of our story, our faith comes alive because Jesus lives in our living of the faith. We are not called to a game of “hide and seek” with Jesus, but missioned to live the adventure of faith finding Jesus in every event, person and moment of life.

Jesus’ death is our life. Jesus’s resurrection is our victory. Is there any greater adventure that brings hope, purpose and joy as the one we undertake by living in faith with Jesus?

Fr. Don Siple, OSM, Rector of The Grotto
SnowCap Drive-Up Food Drive
TODAY
Thursday, May 21
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Grotto's Main Parking Lot

Help us gather much-needed items to stock SnowCap's pantry. During this pandemic, food insecurity is at an all-time high.

We will be collecting non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items. (No clothing items at this time, please.)

Items of Greatest Need:
Canned Vegetables
Bar Soap
Toothpaste
Shampoo

SnowCap Community Charities provides food, clothing, advocacy and other services to those in need. SnowCap has served the East Portland area since the 1960s. To learn more about SnowCap,  click here .

How to drop off your donation

Come to The Grotto's main parking lot, located at NE 85th & Sandy Blvd., between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 21. Collection bins will be located in the parking lot. If you are arriving by car, you may pull up to the bins where you can drop your items.

Thank You

We thank you for helping us make a difference at this very difficult time. If you have any questions about this drive, please contact our Director of Community Engagement, Vinci Paterson, at  vpaterson@thegrotto.org .

For SnowCap questions, please email  info@snowcap.org .
Memorial Day Candles

Purchase a candle to be lighted at The Grotto in memory of someone. Your candle will burn for seven days in the outdoor cradles by The Grotto.

Your support will help The Grotto continue its ministry through this difficult time.

Bringing The Grotto to You

We will continue to share a piece of The Grotto with you each day until Masses resume and our gardens open.

Beginning this week, The Grotto Gift Shop is once again open. There will be strict guidelines for shopping, and the rest of The Grotto will remain closed. However, we are pleased to be making this first step.

To learn more about guidelines for shopping in this early phase of reopening, please click here .

In the meantime, we hope you continue to enjoy our daily emails.
Day 67: A Retreat at The Grotto
A Place of Solitude, Peace and Prayer

The Grotto is a peaceful sanctuary in the middle of the city. It is a place suited for reflection, relaxation and spiritual growth.

Full of beauty and the sounds of nature, The Grotto is a place of solitude, peace and prayer.
A Place of Retreat

The Grotto is a perfect place for a spiritual retreat. Whether you come with a group for an organized retreat, or just come on your own for some personal time away from the hustle and bustle of life, we welcome you.

We are happy to assist you in planning a retreat, or you can simply come and visit in solitude.

For more information on a planned retreat, please contact our Director of Community Engagement, Vinci Paterson. She can be reached at vpaterson@thegrotto.org or by calling 503-261-2433.
A Virtual Mini Retreat

In anticipation of the Feast of Pentecost, but while our gardens are still closed, we offer you this Virtual Mini Retreat.

You are encouraged to use the scripture, prayer and reflection materials in a way that suits your schedule. You can break it up and do one 20-minute segment a day, set aside an hour and reflect on a couple of the segments, or you can follow the materials from start to finish.

We hope that the content and the images are a source of encouragement, inspiration, nourishment, and challenge.
A Candle will Burn at The Grotto

The Servite Friars and Sisters join your intentions to their own in prayer. You are not alone.

For the ten days leading up to Penticost, a candle will burn at The Grotto for all who participate in this mini retreat, and for all of your intentions.
Come Holy Spirit - Renew the Heart of your Faithful Servant

Let us begin our retreat as we begin all things:
+
In the Name of The Father,
and of the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Part 1: Reflection

The Holy Spirit brings to us these gifts mentioned in Scripture: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. In addition, God’s spirit brings us consolation, peace, and the ability to forgive.

Spend some time reflecting on these 50 days of Easter, as well as the 40 days of Lent.

 You can do this by sitting quietly in a comfortable chair - indoors or outdoors, or take a silent walk.

Ask yourself these questions:

When have I felt closest to God? When have I felt closest to others?
When have I felt distant from God? When have I felt distant from others?
When you are ready, offer each of those moments - the good and the bad, the close and the distant - all of them, to God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that you have created me, the world around me, as well as the people and the relationships that enrich my life. Here are the moments of Grace and of Challenge that I lift up to you in prayer today. Help me to be grateful for each moment - every moment – as a gift from you.
Most of us have spent more time than we are used to in isolation. Know that prayer, devotions, and the Scripture Readings of the Day are ways that we are interconnected with other believers all over the world.

Each of us, and all of our intentions are held close to God’s heart.
Part 2: Lectio Divina - The Prayerful Reading of Scripture

Choose a scripture passage and read it three times. Each time, read it slowly and deliberately. Pause for a few moments of silence between each reading.

Choose either ...

(Joel 3:1-5)

Thus says the Lord:

I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.

Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, our old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; even upon the servants and the handmaids, in those days, I will pour out my spirit.

And I will work wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood, fire, and columns of smoke; the sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, at the coming of the day of the Lord, the great and terrible day.

Then everyone shall be rescued who calls on the name of the Lord; for on Mount Zion there shall be a remnant, as the Lord has said, and in Jerusalem survivors whom the Lord shall call.
 
Or ...

(Romans 8:22-27)

Brothers and sisters:

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

For in hope we were saved.

Now hope that sees is not hope.

For who hopes for what one sees?

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.

And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will.

Once you have read the Scripture you chose three times, ask yourself:

What word or phrase stands out to you?
What is it about that image, word or phrase that speaks to you?

Share that with God in prayer.
Part 3: A Time for Listening

Spend some time listening to some quiet music, or take a walk, or sit outside.
Part 4: Pray The Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection of Our Lord
2. The Ascension of Our Lord
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles
4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven
5. The Coronation of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Each of these Glorious Mysteries focus on a special, holy event in the life of Christ and his Church. As your intention while praying the Rosary, offer to God the area in your life, the person, or situation, where you seek God to draw you closer to Him.

To learn more about the Mysteries of the Rosary, and the beautiful bronze plaques in The Grotto's Peace Garden, click here to view an earlier edition of "Bringing The Grotto to You."
Prayer at the Close of your Retreat Time

Gracious and ever-loving, ever-living God,

You are the source of all that is good.

Continue to transform in me those thoughts, habits and issues that keep me distant from you or derail my faithful following of your beloved Son Jesus.

I thank you for this dedicated time with you.

Help me to continue to serve you through faithful prayer, acts of mercy, and loving kindness.

In union with Blessed Mary our Mother, and the whole Church I pray: “Come Holy Spirit- Renew the heart of your faithful Servant”.

Amen.
Additional Prayer Opportunities
A Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

View a special message and prayer from Fr. Richard Boyle, OSM. Recorded outside the Monastery at The Grotto in April 2020.

To learn more about the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue at The Grotto, click here to view an earlier edition of "Bringing The Grotto to You."

An Introduction to the Stations of the Cross

Fr. Richard Boyle, OSM, talks about the Stations of the Cross. Recorded at The Grotto Monastery in April 2020.

To learn more about the Stations of the Cross path at The Grotto, click here to view the Good Friday edition of "Bringing The Grotto to You."

Walk the Labyrinth with Fr. Richard

Join Fr. Richard on this 20-minute prayer and meditation walk of the Labyrinth. Recorded at The Grotto Labyrinth in April 2020.

To learn more about The Grotto Labyrinth, click here to view an earlier edition of "Bringing The Grotto to You."

Pray the Servite Rosary in Time of Pandemic

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.

Purchase a Gift Certificate

Not sure what to get someone? Or perhaps you would just like to support The Grotto during our closure?

A Gift Certificate to The Grotto Gift Shop is a great gift. It can be used to purchase admission to the Upper Gardens, candles or store merchandise.

 Shop Online

Check out our online shop if you are unable to visit. And if you don't see something you are interesting in our online shop, feel free to contact our Director of Retail Operations by clicking here and we can make arrangements.
The Series

We hope you are enjoying our daily feature A Place of Sanctuary: Bringing The Grotto to You.

Week 1
St. Francis of Assisi
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day
St. Anne's Chapel
St. Joseph's Grove
The Marilyn Moyer Meditation Chapel
Spring in the Garden
Our Lady's Grotto

Week 2
St. Jude Thaddeus
Statue of Mary, Our Mother
The Pollinator Garden
St. Philip Benizi's Retreat
Pathways of The Grotto
St. Peregrine Shrine
The Servites

Week 3
Here Light Shines
The Peace Garden
Dambana
Looking Up
Feast of Our Lady at the Foot of the Cross
The Rose Garden
Palm Sunday, The Christus Garden

Week 4
Crosses and Crucifixes
Sacred Heart Statue
Angels of The Grotto
Holy Thursday of The Lord's Supper
Good Friday, Stations of the Cross
Holy Saturday, Via Matris
Easter Sunday

Week 5
The Forest
Blessing of the Animals
Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine
Colors of The Grotto
Mysteries of the Rosary
Lighting a Candle
Chapel of Mary

Week 6
Come to the Water
Our Lady of Lavang Shrine
Celebrating God's Creation
Our Lady of Lourdes
The Labyrinth
Looking Out a Window
How The Grotto Began

Week 7
The Cliff and Elevator
Lithuanian Wayside Shrine
The Grotto by the Numbers
Music at The Grotto
May Flowers
Take a Closer Look
Outdoor Mass

Week 8
The Feast of St. Peregrine
Celebrating Your Favorites
A Year at The Grotto
The Seven Holy Founders
Views and Perspectives
The Rhododendrons
Mother's Day at The Grotto

Week 9
Twilight at The Grotto
The Peace Pole
Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Shrine
A Seat Waiting for You
The Murals
Mosaics of The Grotto
The Chapel Saints

Week 10
The Grotto Gift Shop
The Servite Mission
Architecture of The Grotto
Today: A Retreat at The Grotto
The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon

503-254-7371