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 returns to the Chapel of Mary Today
We are delighted to resume in-person Mass, following the restoration of the Chapel of Mary.
Beginning today, Sunday, April 11, Mass will be celebrated in the Chapel of Mary daily and Sunday.
We are still under strict capacity guidelines due to the pandemic, so we are only able to register 80 people per Mass. Social distancing is required, and masks must be properly word the entire length of Mass.
Mass Schedule
Sunday: 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 noon REGISTER
Daily Mass (Monday - Saturday): 12 noon REGISTER
Mass in Spanish: 2nd and 4th Sunday of the Month at 2 p.m. REGISTER
Mass in Tagalog: Third Saturday of the Month at 10 a.m. REGISTER
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Chapel Open to Visitors
The Chapel will be open during our operating hours for those who would like to visit.
To read an article about the restoration, written by Friend of The Grotto Mark Ellis for The Northwest Connection, please click here.
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The Doubting Thomas
Today, we are introduced to Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, who is also called Didymus. In Jesus' first appearance to the apostles, this Thomas did not witness himself. Because of that, he sincerely emphasized that he did not believe in the risen Jesus, because he did not witness it himself. To some extent, Thomas's honest attitude is understandable because Jesus rose and appeared in a physical body in the state before His death. Bu,t His resurrected body is no longer bound by physical-biological conditions like any other. De facto as told in the Gospel of John, Jesus can now appear and disappear again through closed doors (cf. John 19:20). Therefore, we are required to acknowledge and believe that God is capable and powerful to act or act in a way that transcends our experiences and abilities as humans.
Here it appears that Jesus was always faithful to His promises to His disciples. So, having risen and before leaving them, He empowered them to carry on the work of salvation that He carried out, namely the work of God who is merciful. Now, one of the works of salvation, the work of mercy entrusted to the apostles by His performance, is the forgiveness of sins. As told in the Gospel of John, the risen Jesus, before leaving His apostles, breathed the Holy Spirit to those who were given the task of continuing His mission, which is especially to forgive sins. The forgiveness of sins that Jesus performed was accomplished through suffering, death, and also by His resurrection. He gave the power of the Holy Spirit to the apostles to participate in carrying out the forgiveness of sins. And all of that is an expression or clear evidence of Allah's mercy. That is also why the Church's second Sunday of Easter is also called Divine Mercy Day. What is called eternal happiness is being eternally in heaven with God. But that is only possible, when one realizes and confesses his/her sins. Whoever does not realize and confess his/her sins cannot be forgiven.
Thomas can be seen as an example of a person who experienced that having faith or truly believing is not an easy thing. Faith is something that must be fought for. Obedience to faith is not a mere gift. Thomas is a man who wants to be sure. But after being convinced, he was also brave and able to face the demands of faith, which he had to fulfill. And his loyalty as an apostle was proven and ended with his death as a martyr or a witness of faith in India.
Let us ask God, that by means of St. Thomas the Apostle, our faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is present among us in this Eucharistic celebration and also in the midst of our society today, will always be deepened and strengthened.
Amen.
Fr. Edgar Benedi-An, OSM
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Tour Guides Needed
Do you love The Grotto? Do you love sharing this special place with others? Are you interested in volunteering as a tour guide?
We are seeking individuals who would be available to give tours to groups of visitors. Times vary and we can work with your schedule. If you are interested, please email volunteer@thegrotto for more information.
All are welcome to our Tour Guide Training
Saturday, April 17
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
The Grotto Conference Center.
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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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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, enjoy the flickering candlelight.
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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 an evening walk through the garden.
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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, the Year of St. Joseph, and the season of spring.
CURBSIDE PICK-UP AVAILABLE: call 503-261-2424
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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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