A Place of Sanctuary
Bringing The Grotto to You
Day 56: Mother's Day at The Grotto
Happy Mother's Day

The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother is a wonderful place to celebrate Mother's Day. This year, we will have to do so virtually.
Behold The Mother

The sanctuary was established by the Servite Friars in 1924 as a memorial to Christ's dying appeal from the cross, "Behold Thy Mother."
A Shrine to Mary, Mother of Jesus

The Grotto is one of the most beautiful Marian shrines in the world. Perhaps no other spot on the entire North American continent blends religious significance so completely and so harmoniously together with natural scenic beauty.

Visitors and pilgrims come to the sanctuary from around the world each year. Some come to worship and others to enjoy The Grotto's natural charm. But all linger to share somehow in the quiet serenity of this shrine dedicated to Mary, Mother of Jesus.
The Grotto began with a childhood promise

Did you know The Grotto was founded by Servite Fr. Ambrose Mayer, who was fulfilling a childhood promise about his mother?

When Fr. Ambrose was a child in Canada, he learned his mother was near death after giving birth to his sister. He ran to a nearby parish and prayed for his mother’s life, promising that if she were spared he would one day undertake a great work for the Church.

His mother survived, and Father Ambrose never forgot his promise. He moved to Portland and acquired land from the Union Pacific Railroad on the north side of Rocky Butte. From there, a shrine to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus, was born.
Early Mother's Day Celebration

The Grotto will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2024.

Below: The First Celebration of the New Feast "Behold Thy Mother". Taken May 11, 1930.
Mother's Day Today

Visitors and pilgrims still travel from afar to celebrate Mother's Day at The Grotto. It is always a wonderful time of year to wander the gardens, as the rhododendrons are usually at their peak.
A Mother's Love

There are times when only a mother's love 
Can understand our tears, 
Can soothe our disappoints 
And calm all our fears. 
There are times when only a mother's love 
Can share the joy we feel 
When something we have dreamed about 
Quite suddenly is real. 
There are times when only a mother's faith 
Can help us on life's way 
And inspire in us the confidence 
We need from day to day. 
For a mother's heart and a mother's faith 
And a mother's steadfast love 
Were fashioned by the angels 
And sent from God above.

Mother's Day Prayers for All Walks of Life

Click here to view a collection of prayers for mothers for all walks of life.
Mother and Child

There are many representations of Mother and Child at The Grotto, including those in the multicultural shrines. We hope you enjoy this tour of some of the Mother and Child images found at The Grotto.

Below: Our Lady of Lavang Vietnamese Shrine
Below: Our Lady of Czestochowa Polish Shrine
Below: Lithuanian Wayside Shrine
This mosaic can be found on the tower of the Chapel of Mary.
This marble carving can be found in St. Joseph's Grove.
This tapestry can be found on the wall inside the entrance to The Grotto Gift Shop.
This bronze plaque can be found in the Mysteries of the Rosary in the Peace Garden.
The Via Matris (Way of the Mother)

The seven scenes in the Via Matris portray the Seven Sorrows of Mary, particular events in the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph which were extremely painful. As you walk from scene to scene, you are invited to reflect on events in your own life that are related to what you see before you. These scenes help us to know that we are not alone; others have walked the way before us.

Above: A scene from the outdoor Via Matris wood carvings in the Upper Level Gardens.
Below: A scene from the Via Matris murals in the Chapel of Mary.
A Mother's Day Prayer

Gracious and ever-loving God,

On this Mother’s Day, I focus my thoughts on Our Blessed Mother. I seek her guidance and inspiration to love more deeply.

Like Mary, may I be a courageous witness of your Son, and a vessel of love, empathy and hope.

Help me to say yes to you and those in need around me. Please focus my heart to feel connection and compassion for those who are isolated, sick and poor.

Protect me from fear, anxiety and discouragement so that my words and actions genuinely proclaim you.

And finally, Lord, bless my Mother and all Mothers with the power of your Spirit to seek you in difficult and uncertain situations.

I ask all this through Jesus Christ your Son, and the intersession of Mary our Blessed Mother.

Amen.
The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon

503-254-7371