Today's Operating Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Upper Gardens admission sold until 7:30 p.m.
Daily Mass
12 p.m. in the Chapel of Mary
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Daily Recitation of the Rosary
Pope Francis invites Catholics and Marian Shrines around the world to dedicate the month of May to a marathon of prayer for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Daily recitation of the Rosary at The Grotto will take place everyday, one half hour before each Mass during the month of May.
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Catholic Bible Study Livestream
The Grotto is pleased to announce a new program, Catholic Bible Study.
Beginning today, and each Saturday at 10 a.m., we invite you to join Fr. Edgar Benedi-an, OSM, via livestream from The Grotto, for an hour of bible study, giving those who desire an opportunity to deepen their knowledge about the word of God in the Sunday readings.
If you are unable to join us at that time, the video of the livestream will be available on our YouTube channel for the entire week, so you may watch at a more convenient time.
While it won't be possible for Father Edgar to entertain questions during the hour, viewers are encouraged to email their questions or comments to Father Edgar so he can address them during the week.
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St. Rita of Cascia, Religious
Saint Rita was born in 1381 in the town of Roccaporena in Umbria, Italy. Her name was Margherita Lotti. She was married to a brutal husband named Paolo Mancini and had two sons. After the death of her husband and her two sons, Rita became an Augustinian nun. She spent some forty years in prayer, contemplation and service to the poor and the sick. St. Rita died in 1457. She was buried at the Basilica of Cascia and was later discovered to be incorrupt. She was canonized by Pope Leo XII on May 24, 1900.
Along with the memorial of St. Rita, we have come to the end of both Readings today. Both St. John and St. Luke (the author of the Acts of the Apostles) call us all to continue to “testify” and “to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.” With the Solemnity of the Pentecost approaching, let us implore the Holy Spirit to inspire us, to encourage us and to live in us that we may become courageous witnesses of God’s love and mercy.
What do we need to testify? Like St. John, we are called to testify that Jesus loves us and that is enough. We do not need to be like Peter who was so curious about what the Lord would do with others. As the beloved disciple was special to Jesus, each one of us is also incredibly special to Jesus. He loves us justly and unconditionally. That is what we need to testify.
Prayer
May the Lord who strengthened St. Rita in her service also give us the strength that we need to serve God and his people who are poor and sick.
Amen.
Fr. Leo Hambur, OSM
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Mass at The Grotto
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
The 10 a.m. and 12 noon Masses will be held outdoors, weather permitting.
Spanish Mass: Second and Fourth Sunday of the Month at 2 p.m.
Tagalog Mass: Every first and third Sunday of the Month at 2 p.m.
St. Peregrine Mass: First Saturday of the Month at 12 noon
At this Mass, those who wish may receive a blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine. St. Peregrine is the patron saint of those with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
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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, listen to the tranquil sounds of a stream in the Peace Garden.
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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, the sanctuary is home to an abundance of wildlife.
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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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Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The Grotto Gift Shop carries a great selection of candles, which can be lighted in the outdoor cradles in the plaza.
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CURBSIDE PICK-UP AVAILABLE: call 503-261-2424 |
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