Selecting the Land


As we continue to celebrate the week of the Centennial Anniversary of our Dedication, we go back to the very beginning, when Servite Fr. Ambrose Mayer, our Founder, selected the place to build his dream.


Below: This piece of land, including the pasture, the grove of trees, and the cliff is where The Grotto stands today.

The Cliff


The 110-foot high section of the cliff was selected as the place to create the cave.


Below: Rocks and rubble were piled up against the cliff.

From the 50th Anniversary (1924–1974) pictorial book of The Grotto:


The First Step

 

About ten miles east of his parish area, Father Mayer found his dream locale. To the undiscerning eye it didn’t look like much. “A mess,” he reported, “of almost impenetrable undergrowth, fallen rocks, thickets and debris.”

 

But Father Mayer saw beyond its cluttered primitive condition. He saw the statuesque firs and cedars, the maples, dogwoods, oaks and blooming hawthorns, and the emerald carpet of native fern. In the background was a sweep of perpendicular stone reaching some 150 feet into the sky. Shrubs and vines grew in the fissures of the rock and moss spread like velvet across the bare spots in the rocky wall.

 

From atop the cliff, Father Mayer marveled at the view of superb dimension. An expansive panorama of two states, the wide Columbia Valley, transversed by her mighty river and the snow capped peaks of Mt. St. Helens cut distinctively into the blue Washington horizon.

 

Here was a natural cathedral. All it needed was a thorough clean-up job.

 

With Archbishop Christie’s enthusiastic approval, authorization for the construction of the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother was obtained. The 50 acres of land at the eastern edge of Portland was purchased for the price of $48,000.

 

On May 29, 1924, the first Mass was offered at the spot where the Grotto, envisioned by Father Mayer, was to be.


Below: The cliff one hundred years later.

Your Sanctuary of Peace


Our celebration of the 100-year anniversary of our Dedication will continue throughout the week.


Thank you for celebrating with us.

Gracious God,


Thank you for this beautiful sanctuary, a place of peace in the middle of the city. As I take my first step on this sacred ground, I feel the weight of the world lift, as if I'm checking my heavy bag at the door.


I am so grateful to Fr. Ambrose Mayer for having this dream and bringing it to fruition.


The footsteps of millions have touched these grounds the past 100 years. May this sanctuary provide peace and consolation to millions more.


Amen.

Today's Hours of Operation

 

Grounds: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Gift Shop: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Upper Gardens admission is sold until 7 p.m.

 

Recitation of the Rosary

11:30 a.m.

Chapel of Mary

 

Daily Mass

12 noon

Chapel of Mary

 

Priest Office Hours

10-11:45 a.m. and

3-5 p.m.

Office is located inside the Visitor Center.

Visit our Website
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.
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