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When did you first come to The Grotto?
A dear friend and neighbor, Sandy Craig (deceased 2017), invited me to attend Sunday Mass with her at The Grotto. She had recently attended Mass at The Grotto and found it to be an inspiring and peaceful celebration. That very Sunday during the year 1987 (age 36) led to a long and joyful “walk of faith” for me at The Grotto.
Sandy and I started going to Mass every Sunday at The Grotto, and for many years we attended Taize prayer services, Advent and Lenten services, feasts of our Blessed Mother, Bible studies, retreats with Sr. Joyce Rupp, OSM, annual Freedom Sunday celebrations, summer outdoor Masses and symphonic concerts, gala fundraisers, concerts on the lawn with Michael Allen Harrison, many Grotto Board of Directors meetings, and numerous other fun occasions sponsored by The Grotto.
We made new friends and were invited to participate in the liturgy. We both became Eucharistic Ministers and lectors, under the direction of Sisters Ruth Arnott and Val Lewandoski, OSM. As time went on, we also served on the Advisory Board of Directors and I served as the Vice Chair of The Grotto Board of Directors for several terms.
What was your first impression?
My first impression of The Grotto was one of peaceful surroundings, lovely liturgical celebrations and Servite priests and Sisters of St. Martha, who were skillful in sharing the word of God. Many worshipers at The Grotto reflect the diversity of our world, bringing a very cultural and faith-filled spirit to The Grotto. This community feeling is reflected daily and in all liturgical celebrations at The Grotto. The feeling of faith in the community of The Grotto is palpable. All are welcome at The Grotto! Today we have the joy of two wonderful Servites, Fr. Leo Hambur, OSM, and Fr. Edgar Benedi-An, OSM. We are very blessed to have their presence and spiritual leadership.
What is your favorite place at The Grotto?
The Chapel of Mary is my favorite place at The Grotto. The doors of The Grotto are always open! Many Catholic entrances across the globe are locked these days, but The Grotto is always open and welcoming. Mass is celebrated every day, and the gardens are changing and growing with the seasons. Someone is always there to welcome visitors at The Grotto.
What is your favorite place in the Upper Gardens?
I love the statue of St. Francis of Assisi. My father, Francis Nearing, had a devotion to St. Francis and the prayer of St. Francis was a part of our daily prayer upbringing as a family. This beautiful statue reminds me of my childhood in our Catholic home. The peaceful surrounding gardens also reflect the meaning of the prayer of St. Francis, which still provides significance and encouragement in my life. My daughter was married at The Grotto in 2011 and our joined families had a lovely, memorable photo taken in front of the statue.
Do you have any special memories?
In 2020, during the pandemic, an incredibly special young couple visited us from Cologne, Germany. Their names were Roja and Marcus. They were foreign exchange students who had lived with our family members during their high school years. Their stay in Portland was short. It was a bitter, winter day as we shared fond memories over lunch in our home. Covid isolation and family separation was very real to all of us … the same in Germany. We decided to take them to The Grotto for a visit on the way to the airport for their flight home. As we walked the Upper Gardens, they were so moved by the beauty, quiet and peacefulness of the gardens. We were the only visitors and it was an ethereal visit, one to cherish and remember. As we said goodbye at the airport, they thanked us for the incredibly special visit to The Grotto.
Have you been to the Christmas Festival of Lights?
My journey at The Grotto includes visiting The Grotto with my young children and in later years, working as a volunteer at the Festival of Lights. I worked in the kitchen making soup, the ticket booths, and the church vestibule. A favorite evening of volunteer work at The Grotto included hearing my daughter’s Grant High School choir sing at the Festival. The Festival of Lights brings so much Christmas joy to the community and to visitors from around the world. It is inspiring to see this joy in the faces of so many visitors! The annual festival is still a tradition with our family.
What do you love most about The Grotto?
I love attending Mass at The Grotto with my husband, John. John and I met at The Grotto, so this is a very special place for us. I enjoy being a lector and a rosary leader. I especially love the beautiful statuary and paintings depicting the historical moments of our Catholic faith. One favorite mural is that of Fr. Pat McNamara, OSM. He was a very special priest who exemplified the sanctity of the priesthood. It was very joyful to attend a daily or Sunday Mass celebrated by him and to hear his daily homily. I always felt he was speaking right to me with a lesson of love or compassion. I am so glad this mural was retained in the renovation of the Chapel of Mary. I have always appreciated the sisters of St. Martha who do so many kind things to participate and enhance the liturgy daily.
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