Ever-loving God,

Our world is in need of your Peace. Fill the hearts of all peoples with honor for every human life.

May your loving touch heal those who dwell in anger, pain and sorrow. May your Holy Spirit reconcile and unify strangers and neighbors.

Give me strength to live peace, and speak peace, and be a peacemaker.

I humbly ask this through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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: Candace Grazioli

Above: With Fr. Leo Hambur, OSM, at the Christmas Festival of Lights.

I first came to the Grotto in 2017 while visiting my brother during Christmas. A friend told me I must visit the Grotto. (She had just returned from Portland and raved about the place.) I was so glad I took her advice. The Christmas Festival of Lights was magical.

In 2018, I retired from nursing and decided to move to Vancouver to be near my brother. This time I volunteered at the Festival of Lights. It was a joy to see all the people enjoying the festival, especially the kids.

The next year, I started giving tours to The Grotto visitors, which I thoroughly enjoyed because I like to meet new people who are visiting from other areas.

My favorite area in the Grotto is the Stations of the Cross, on the plaza level. The artwork is stupendous - bronze plaques nestled in rock formations and forest greenery. The path is so beautiful one cannot help but feel a sense of peace.

My favorite area in the Upper Gardens is the Mysteries of the Rosary - bronze plaques designed by a local artist.

Aside from all the beauty at the Grotto, I have met so many wonderful volunteers, visitors, Grotto staff, Servite Friars and Sisters - I actually consider The Grotto to be my community and family.

Below: Enjoy photos from Candace's favorite places at The Grotto, beginning with the Stations of the Cross path on the plaza level.

Below: The Mysteries of the Rosary in the Upper Gardens. The first photo shows the artist, Mary Lewis, with her magnificent work.

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.