Merciful Father,

Bless those who will visit the Grotto today. Listen to the prayers of those who seek peace and strength. Restore their strength as they spend time at the Grotto, a place of prayer and peace. May the Sorrowful Mother console those who are in sorrow and lead them to Jesus.

Please grant our prayers, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Your Sanctuary, Your Stories

As we continue the celebration of our Centennial Anniversary, we hope you will enjoy this month's feature, "Your Sanctuary, Your Stories".

We look forward to sharing YOUR stories about what The Grotto means to you. Every day this month, check this space and discover how the sanctuary has brought peace and joy to so many.

Today: Julie Rowland

I began attending The Grotto in the spring of 1984. I had been in Portland for five years at that time and was looking for a church to attend regularly. One of the first Sundays I was there, Sr. Donna Marie and Sr. Ruth were leading the music, and asked for volunteers to help with Sunday Masses. I told them that I was interested, and that I played the guitar. That’s all it took … I became a member of the music ministry and was part of it until spring of 2005.

It was apparent very early in my time at The Grotto that the charism of the Servite Friars and Sisters was something dear to my heart. Sr. Ruth Arnott, OSM, was the Coordinator of Hospitality and was someone that lived the charism of compassion and hospitality faithfully in her ministry. She served at the Grotto for many years, and touched many lives with her humor, storytelling, beautiful altar settings, angelic singing voice and most significantly, her compassionate presence with everyone she encountered.

In 1990 I became an Associate of the Servants of Mary. That commitment changed my life. I continue my ministry with the Servite Sisters and Associates through service and monthly faith sharing. My ministry of teaching for 40 years was deeply influenced by my Servite connections. My ministry of being a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at The Grotto continues to allow me to live out this charism.

The physical beauty of The Grotto is unmatched in the Portland area. Whether it is attending Mass in the Chapel or outside Plaza, walking around the gorgeous grounds, or resting in the Meditation Chapel chairs, God is so present. Sr. Ruth lead the Rosary for my Mom’s funeral by walking us around the Upper Gardens. It was a gorgeous evening in September and one of the most memorable times for me at The Grotto.

The ministry of the Servite Friars and the Sisters of St. Martha at the Grotto inspire me beyond words. While the physical beauty is stunning, the true gift of The Grotto for me is the ministry of the people who make it a place where the presence of God is so real.

Below: Julie Rowland, singing with with Sr. Val Lewandoski, OSM, and Sr. Ruth Arnott, OSM.

Below: Celebrating with the Oblate Sisters of St. Martha.

Left to right - Sr. Lizbeth Nevárez Enríquez, Sr. Noemí Cid Piña, Fr. Edgar Benedi-An, Fr. Leo Hambur, Sr. Ana María Rentería Silva, Sr. Siria Bernal Guerrero.

Send Us Your Stories

We would love to share YOUR story. What does The Grotto mean to you? When did you first visit? What is your favorite place? What would you like us to know?

Please email jtokito@thegrotto.org for more information or to send us your story.

We will be sharing your stories all month long. Thank you for being a part of The Grotto community.

Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The Grotto Gift Shop has a wide variety of items for Graduation and Father's Day, along with books, rosaries, cards, medals, jewelry, home accessories, yummy treats, and much more.

We invite you to come and explore the store.