A Place of Sanctuary Bringing The Grotto to You

Day 75: The Grotto Plaza

The Grotto Plaza The Grotto Plaza is an open area surrounded by majestic trees, large rhododendrons, and the spectacular cliff.

All pathways from the parking lot, the Chapel of Mary and the Upper Gardens lead to the Plaza.

Central to our Plaza is the Grotto Cave and the outdoor pews. Visitors and pilgrims are encouraged to stop. They may sit, go up and light a candle, or walk up to pray near Our Lady's Grotto.

From The Grotto Plaza, you can also see the Christus Garden, Our Lady of Lourdes, the historic elevator, and the beautiful statue of Mary which stands high on top of the cliff above The Grotto.

I Am Not Alone Blessed are you Lord God, Creator of the Universe. As I pray quietly alone in this plaza I know that I am not alone. I am surrounded by this cathedral of trees and beautiful artwork reflecting the life and death of your Son Jesus. I also see images of Blessed Mary, St. Peregrine, St. Bernadette, and other saints. I am not alone. I am part of the company of believers, Saints who have gone before me. I close my eyes and am reminded of the many times I have sat in this plaza when it was filled with my brothers and sisters as they attended Mass. We are united in Communion with Jesus. Lord help me to be mindful of the needs of others even when I am seemingly along. Give me courage to be loving and forgiving like the holy men and women who have gone before me. I pray that in some small way my words and actions can lead others to a closer relationship with you. I ask this through your Son Jesus, Our Lord. Amen.

Outdoor Mass The most special of all activities in the plaza is our outdoor Mass, held on Sundays in the warmer months.

A seat waiting for you All are welcome to take a seat and enjoy the beauty of the Plaza. It is free to visit the lower level at The Grotto.

The Visitor Center The Grotto Visitor Center is located in the plaza next to the Chapel of Mary. There you can find information, view a history display, watch a movie about The Grotto, purchase a candle or simply stop for a snack or a break. You can also visit with one of the Servite Friars in their plaza office.

The Chapel of Mary The Chapel of Mary is located at the far end of the plaza. Mass is celebrated in the Chapel every day of the year.

The Entrance to the Upper Gardens The path to the elevator which takes people up to the Upper Gardens can be found in the plaza. Admission to our scenic gardens can be purchased in our Visitor Center or Gift Shop. You will not want to miss the gardens. They are spectacular all seasons of the year. There you find the Peace Garden, the Meditation Chapel, the Labyrinth, the Via Matris, the multicultural Shrine Path, the Monastery, the Rose Garden, St. Joseph's Grove, the overlook, St. Anne's Chapel and many statues surrounded by the natural beauty of God's creation.

Light a Candle at The Grotto Purchase a candle to be lighted at The Grotto. 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. Click here to purchase a candle.

A Prayer for Lighting a Candle As I light a candle for you today I lift up all my prayer-filled intentions for you. I pray for your health, I pray for your family. I pray for all your needs.  I also pray for the concerns and hopes that you may not have ever spoken aloud. I ask God to grace you with his protection, guidance, forgiveness and peace. As I end my prayer, I know that the candle - along with my prayers - are held in the heart of God long after the seven days that this candle burns. May you feel God’s light, God’s love and God’s Peace.

Looking Up When you find yourself in The Grotto Plaza, don't forget to look up. You will be amazed at all you see, such as: The Marilyn Moyer Meditation Chapel

The Tall Firs

The Top of the Elevator

The Chapel Tower

The Statue of Mary

And don't forget to look around Be sure to take a moment to sit and take in the sights and sounds of nature. Look at how different it looks from every direction. Each time you visit you will see something new. Such as: Our Lady of Lourdes

The Christus Statue

The Architecture

The Fantastic Forest

Special Events The Grotto Plaza hosts special events throughout the year. Below: The Portland Wind Symphony performs at the Concert in the Plaza.

Historic Views The Grotto turns 100 years old in 2024. We hope you enjoy some of these early photos of The Grotto Plaza.

We hope to see you soon We hope you have enjoyed this visit to The Grotto Plaza. The plaza is located on the lower level of The Grotto, which is free to all throughout the year.

The Grotto The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother NE 85th & Sandy Blvd. Portland, Oregon 503-254-7371 thegrotto.org

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The Grotto is a Ministry of the Servite Friars, Order of Friar Servants Mary.