Keep moving in faith

He began to cry out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! - Mk 10:47

Bartimaeus is one of my favorite Bible characters. From his story, I learned several things. First, active faith. The story of Bartimaeus often rebukes me if I just pray and pray without doing anything. Even though I know that prayer is powerful, prayer without action is like we hope to walk ten miles but are reluctant to take the first step. It also reminds me of James' words that faith without works is empty.

The second thing, strong faith. When we read the story of Bartimaeus, we realize that when Bartimaeus shouted at Jesus, some people told him to be quiet. Many things sometimes tell us to be quiet when we cry out to Him. Disappointment, boredom, impatience, and disbelief often tell us to be quite and stop asking the Lord. Today Bartimaeus teaches us never to give up. Have a strong faith and believe that Jesus will never ignore us, even though we may not see any signs that our prayers will be answered. Keep believing, keep moving in faith because only active faith can make our faith big, strong, and strong.

Prayer

May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen our faith and help us to remember Bartimaeus whenever we want to give up on our faith. May the Lord come to our aid whenever we call out his name in our need. Amen.

Amen.

Fr. Leo Hambur, OSM
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Upper Gardens admission sold until 7:30 p.m.

Daily Mass

12 noon in the Chapel of Mary
Daily Recitation of the Rosary

Pope Francis invites Catholics and Marian Shrines around the world to dedicate the month of May to a marathon of prayer for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Daily recitation of the Rosary at The Grotto will take place everyday, one half hour before each Mass.
Priest's Office Hours

Monday - Saturday
10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The Servite Friars gladly await your request for confession, spiritual guidance and blessing of articles. You may also set up an appointment for a blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine. The office is located at the Visitor Center. Masks required.
Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Click on the video and take a moment to relax and experience the serenity of the sanctuary.

Today, enjoy a moment in front of Dambana, the Filipino Shrine, and its beautiful surroundings.

Join Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM, Rector of The Grotto, for a daily stroll through the garden.

Each day, enjoy photos and videos taken by Father Vidal, often during hours when the grounds are closed.

Today, the baby robins born on the ledge of the Monastery have flown away, and an empty nest remains.

Remembering a year ago:
Bringing The Grotto to You

One year ago, in response to the growing pandemic, we began a series of daily emails called "A Place of Sanctuary: Bringing The Grotto to You." We closed completely a short time later, and that closure lasted for months.

The "Bringing The Grotto to You" series highlighted a feature at (or about) The Grotto each day. The series lasted for 88 days, the length of our closure.

We hope you enjoy this feature, "Looking Back", where we will share a piece of those emails every day for 88 days. Click the link below to view today's feature, which was originally shared this time last year.
The Servite Friars (from left to right)

Father Vidal Martinez, OSM, Rector: FatherVidal@thegrotto.org
Father Ignatius Kissel, OSM: FatherIgnatius@thegrotto.org
Father Leo Hambur, OSM: FatherLeo@thegrotto.org
Father Edgar Benedi-an, OSM: FatherEdgar@thegrotto.org
Bible Study Livestream

There is a new time for the weekly Bible Study Livestream with Fr. Edgar Benedi-an, OSM: Saturdays from 9:15-10 a.m. For more information, please click the button below.