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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Red Cross Blood Drive Today
Wednesday, May 19
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center
There is a critical need for blood at this time. Please click the button below to register to donate.
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Being Not Having
The world used to condition and encourage us to always acquire and want for more, and sometimes we even apply this principle to each other. Even to the point that we claim the other as “mine,” as if the person is a property.
Life’s meaning and fulfilment cannot be found in “having” but “being.” In fact, true love is the way of “being” not “having”. To love means to set the other free, that is, to let him/her love you back freely without coercion. It means that a true relationship is “being free”. That’s the only way for both parties to grow and mature in loving each other.
We heard in the Gospel today Jesus continuing to pray to His Father. He wants each of us follow, believe and love him freely. Only by constantly prayer and with so much hope he may eventually hear their free "yeses" to his free gift of love. Though their relationship will soon become a long-stance relationship, all the more that their love must grow, for each one becomes freer. For in a long-distance relationship, it’s there that the person is allowed to be truly free to love, to allow him/her “to be”.
We belong to the Lord not because we are His “possessions” or “property” or “collections”. After all, heaven is not a warehouse or a stockroom. Rather, our belonging to God is “to be,” that is, “being” His children. Heaven this way is nothing but home. It is home for those who freely respond to God’s free gift of love.
Jesus left to us His free gift of love in the Church. It is up to us to respond to his love freely or not at all. His only desire is not to “have” us in heaven but to be free citizens, “being with” Him in love.
Prayer
Lord God, free us from enslavement of materialism and consumerism. Direct our eyes to what really endures, and to what can bring us back to You, our true and lasting Home. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Fr. Benedi-an, 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, the azaleas and rhododendrons are in full bloom all over the sanctuary.
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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 flowers are blooming everywhere you look.
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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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Catholic Bible Study Livestream
The Grotto is pleased to announce a new program, Catholic Bible Study.
Every Saturday at 10 a.m. we welcome everyone 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. This will provide time each week to deepen our knowledge and faith in the Lord Jesus and assist us in becoming matured Christians.
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.
We will begin this Saturday, May 22, the birthday of the Church, and study the Gospel for Pentecost Sunday.
Stay tuned for a link to the livestream, which will be shown via our YouTube channel.
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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.
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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