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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What's in Bloom?
The rhododendrons are beginning to bloom.
The camellias continue to bloom and are now starting to sprinkle the pathways with pink petals.
Trilliums are scattered about beneath the trees all around the sanctuary.
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Mass at The Grotto
We are delighted to have resumed in-person Mass, following the restoration of the Chapel of Mary.
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.
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Accepting God's Offer of Eternal Life
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God will remain upon him (John 3:36). Reading a scripture like this, we might ask ourselves, “Is God so harsh and authoritarian? Is it true that an unbelieving and disobedient person should be punished with God's wrath? Aren't they the ones who deserve pity?
When we pause and ponder further, it seems that it is not God who punishes those unbelievers. They are the ones who punish themselves. By not accepting God's messenger who offers eternal life, people inevitably lose eternal life itself.
The attitudes and decisions of the human person determine whether she/he accepts or rejects eternal life. God always gives salvation for every human being.
Eternal life is indeed a gift from God to all people. Even so, after all, God does not want to force humans to accept it. God is not a dictator who imposes His will, but respects human freedom so that ultimately a person must be responsible for all his/her attitudes and decisions. When one, with his/her freedom, agrees with and make amends to this work of salvation, God will surely rejoice; on the other hand, if with his freedom humans refuse, God will surely mourn.
Eternal life means living in fellowship with God, not living physically and not dying. Therefore, we can feel eternal life right now. How wonderful life is, when we choose freely without compulsion, to accept God's offer of eternal life.
Amen.
Fr. Leo Hambur, OSM
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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.
Today's "Looking Back" email received more comments than any other email during the entire 88-day series. We highly recommend you click the link and enjoy the Colors of The Grotto.
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Click on the video and take a moment to relax and experience the serenity of the sanctuary.
Today, gaze up at the majestic cliff and Grotto as the skies begin to darken.
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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 from the Monastery of Our Sorrowful Mother to the Rose Garden, and visit the statue of the Assumption of Mary, located in the Upper Gardens.
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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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Upcoming Blood Drives
Friday, April 23
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center
Wednesday, May 19
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center
Wednesday, June 30
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center
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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
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.
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