Today is Earth Day
Today, April 22, is celebrated worldwide as Earth Day. It is a day of appreciation for all of God's creation, and a day to promote stewardship of the environment.
The Grotto's 62 acres of woods and gardens provide a wonderful place to celebrate the presence of God in nature. We invite you all to visit.
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Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Upper Gardens admission sold until 5 p.m.
Masks must be properly worn at all times while visiting The Grotto. Please maintain six feet of space for social distancing and follow all instructional signs.
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Mass at The Grotto
Mass is celebrated daily in the Chapel of Mary at 12 noon. On Sundays, the 10 a.m. and 12 noon Masses will be celebrated outdoors in The Grotto Plaza, weather permitting.
We are pleased to announce the return of the monthly Healing Mass in honor of St. Peregrine, beginning Saturday, May 1, at 12 noon.
At this Mass, a blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine will be offered. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of those with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. To learn more about St. Peregrine, please click here.
We are still under strict capacity guidelines due to the pandemic, which is 80 indoors, and 200 outdoors, so please follow direction from the ushers.
When attending Mass, social distancing is required, and masks must be properly worn the entire length of Mass. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Mass Schedule
Daily Mass (Monday - Saturday): 12 noon
Sunday Masses: 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 noon
Spanish Mass: Second and Fourth Sunday of the Month at 2 p.m.
Tagalog Mass: Third Saturday of the Month at 10 a.m.
St. Peregrine Healing Mass: First Saturday of the Month at 12 noon
A blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine is offered at this Mass and at all Saturday noon Masses (beginning in May.)
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A Reflection for Earth Day
God, Creator of Al,
We offer our prayer in gratitude and humility that we might heed your call to care of the least, the lowest and the most vulnerable of all your blessed creation.
Grant, we pray, the courage to speak on behalf of the soft soil under our feet, the running and still waters, the warmth of the sun on our face, and all the crawling, flying, swimming creatures you love.
May our courage to speak translate into action that protect our planet - so that our children and their children might enjoy the fruits of what we sow.
In your name, we pray.
Amen.
To view a shorty video about Earth Day, click here.
Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM
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Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home
This encyclical letter from Pope Francis is addressed to "every person living on this planet" for an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Pope Francis calls the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to join him in embarking on a new path.
This encyclical is written with both hope and resolve, looking to our common future with candor and humility.
To read the entire Laudato Si' , please click here .
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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.
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Click on the video and take a moment to relax and experience the serenity of the sanctuary.
Today, look up to the majestic evergreens, and down to view the colorful signs of spring.
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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, take a walk at sunrise and enjoy the colors of God's creation.
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Plaza Office Hours
Monday - Saturday (Not available Thursday)
10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
A Friar will be in the office attached to the Visitor Center during the above hours.
They 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. Masks and social distancing are required.
You are also welcome to contact a Friar directly at the emails listed below.
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Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM
Rector of The Grotto
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Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Let The Grotto Gift Shop carries a great collection of items for Confirmation, First Holy Communion, and the season of spring.
CURBSIDE PICK-UP AVAILABLE: call 503-261-2424
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Red Cross Blood Drive Tomorrow
The Grotto is pleased to partner with the American Red Cross in 2021 to host blood drives, including many regularly-scheduled drives which have been displaced by the pandemic.
Next Drive:
Friday, April 23
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center
Future Drives:
Wednesday, May 19
Friday, June 18
Wednesday, June 30
Thursday, July 22
Friday, July 23
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If you are unable to visit in person, you may purchase a candle to be lighted at The Grotto. Your candle will burn for seven days in the outdoor cradles.
Your support will allow our sanctuary to continue its mission of being a place of peace, prayer and natural beauty for all.
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Mass Enrollment Cards
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.
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