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?
Leaves are beginning to spring from the branches of trees throughout the gardens.
The vibrant colors of green are everywhere.
More rhododendrons are starting to burst into color.
Daffodils and trilliums are still scattered about.
The camellias still brighten the paths.
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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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St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr, Pray for Us
Being misunderstood is probably one of the most disheartening of human experiences. Jesus worked great signs among the people and yet the people failed to understand Jesus. Jesus wanted to draw people to himself as their Savior, but they were interested only in satisfying their human needs.
St. Stephen, a deacon, followed in the footsteps of Jesus. He too worked great wonders and signs among his own people. His only intention was to draw them in faith to the person of Jesus Christ as their Savior. Not only did some of his own people fail to understand, but they also actually turned against him and went so far as to bring false witness against him before the Sanhedrin, the ruling body of the Jews. Tomorrow we will see how Stephen suffered a martyr’s death.
Both Jesus and his follower, Stephen, were strengthened by the realization that they were doing God’s will. Their pain was not lessened, but their determination was left undeterred.
No matter how careful we are with others, no matter how loving our intention, we will face misunderstanding, sometimes even actual rejection. The natural reaction is simply to give up on another person. But God calls us to an attitude and way of acting which at times may even be courageous. It is not the Christian approach to meet misunderstanding with disdain or rejection with contempt. God calls us to use every avenue possible to communicate properly with others and to overcome misunderstandings. Such an approach is especially vital toward those with whom we live or work. And through all our efforts at reconciliation, we should have a certain serenity and peace of mind derived from the realization that we are following the example given us by Jesus and St. Stephen.
Prayer
Our gracious and loving Father, You have promised that You will never leave us nor forsake us, whatever may be the circumstances. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. Father, fill our hearts and minds with Your peace which surpasses all understanding. Help us to live in peace with one another. Fill us with that peace which the world can never give. Take control of all our thoughts, words, and deeds. Help us to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.
Amen.
Fr. Vidal Martinez, 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.
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Click on the video and take a moment to relax and experience the serenity of the sanctuary.
Today, enjoy the tranquil sounds of water flowing in the reflecting pools outside the Meditation Chapel.
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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 through St. Joseph's Grove on a sunny spring day.
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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 Drives
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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