A Place of Sanctuary
Bringing The Grotto to You
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Day 67: A Retreat at The Grotto |
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A Place of Solitude, Peace and Prayer
The Grotto is a peaceful sanctuary in the middle of the city. It is a place suited for reflection, relaxation and spiritual growth.
Full of beauty and the sounds of nature, The Grotto is a place of solitude, peace and prayer.
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A Place of Retreat
The Grotto is a perfect place for a spiritual retreat. Whether you come with a group for an organized retreat, or just come on your own for some personal time away from the hustle and bustle of life, we welcome you.
We are happy to assist you in planning a retreat, or you can simply come and visit in solitude.
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A Virtual Mini Retreat
In anticipation of the Feast of Pentecost, but while our gardens are still closed, we offer you this Virtual Mini Retreat.
You are encouraged to use the scripture, prayer and reflection materials in a way that suits your schedule. You can break it up and do one 20-minute segment a day, set aside an hour and reflect on a couple of the segments, or you can follow the materials from start to finish.
We hope that the content and the images are a source of encouragement, inspiration, nourishment, and challenge.
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A Candle will Burn at The Grotto
The Servite Friars and Sisters join your intentions to their own in prayer. You are not alone.
For the ten days leading up to Penticost, a candle will burn at The Grotto for all who participate in this mini retreat, and for all of your intentions.
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Come Holy Spirit - Renew the Heart of your Faithful Servant
Let us begin our retreat as we begin all things:
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In the Name of The Father,
and of the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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Part 1: Reflection
The Holy Spirit brings to us these gifts mentioned in Scripture: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. In addition, God’s spirit brings us consolation, peace, and the ability to forgive.
Spend some time reflecting on these 50 days of Easter, as well as the 40 days of Lent.
You can do this by sitting quietly in a comfortable chair - indoors or outdoors, or take a silent walk.
Ask yourself these questions:
When have I felt closest to God? When have I felt closest to others?
When have I felt distant from God? When have I felt distant from others?
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When you are ready, offer each of those moments - the good and the bad, the close and the distant - all of them, to God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I know that you have created me, the world around me, as well as the people and the relationships that enrich my life. Here are the moments of Grace and of Challenge that I lift up to you in prayer today. Help me to be grateful for each moment - every moment – as a gift from you.
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Most of us have spent more time than we are used to in isolation. Know that prayer, devotions, and the Scripture Readings of the Day are ways that we are interconnected with other believers all over the world.
Each of us, and all of our intentions are held close to God’s heart.
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Part 2: Lectio Divina - The Prayerful Reading of Scripture
Choose a scripture passage and read it three times. Each time, read it slowly and deliberately. Pause for a few moments of silence between each reading.
Choose either ...
(Joel 3:1-5)
Thus says the Lord:
I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.
Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, our old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions; even upon the servants and the handmaids, in those days, I will pour out my spirit.
And I will work wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood, fire, and columns of smoke; the sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, at the coming of the day of the Lord, the great and terrible day.
Then everyone shall be rescued who calls on the name of the Lord; for on Mount Zion there shall be a remnant, as the Lord has said, and in Jerusalem survivors whom the Lord shall call.
Or ...
(Romans 8:22-27)
Brothers and sisters:
We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved.
Now hope that sees is not hope.
For who hopes for what one sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.
And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will.
Once you have read the Scripture you chose three times, ask yourself:
What word or phrase stands out to you?
What is it about that image, word or phrase that speaks to you?
Share that with God in prayer.
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Part 3: A Time for Listening
Spend some time listening to some quiet music, or take a walk, or sit outside.
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Part 4: Pray The Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection of Our Lord
2. The Ascension of Our Lord
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles
4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven
5. The Coronation of Our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Each of these Glorious Mysteries focus on a special, holy event in the life of Christ and his Church. As your intention while praying the Rosary, offer to God the area in your life, the person, or situation, where you seek God to draw you closer to Him.
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Prayer at the Close of your Retreat Time
Gracious and ever-loving, ever-living God,
You are the source of all that is good.
Continue to transform in me those thoughts, habits and issues that keep me distant from you or derail my faithful following of your beloved Son Jesus.
I thank you for this dedicated time with you.
Help me to continue to serve you through faithful prayer, acts of mercy, and loving kindness.
In union with Blessed Mary our Mother, and the whole Church I pray: “Come Holy Spirit- Renew the heart of your faithful Servant”.
Amen.
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The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon
503-254-7371
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