Mass Suspended Through April 14
The Archdiocese of Portland announced today that they will be suspending all Masses through April 14, due to the current health crisis. For the complete statement from Archbishop Alexander Sample, please go to archdpdx.org .

A Place of Sanctuary
Bringing The Grotto to You
The Grotto is committed to being a place of prayer for our community. For now our gardens remain open, and there is no charge for admission to the Upper Gardens through March 31. All are welcome to visit our outdoor sanctuary. You can just walk right in.

Open hours are 9 a.m - 6:30 p.m. Please check our website as these guidelines may change in upcoming days.

For all those unable to visit, we thought we would share a piece of The Grotto with you each day until Masses resume. We hope this feature, A Place of Sanctuary , brings you joy, and we pray we will see you all at The Grotto soon.

Day 1: St. Francis of Assisi
Statue of St. Francis of Assisi (1993)

St. Francis of Assisi is revered by Christians everywhere. He was known as a person of peace and a lover of nature. In the simplicity of his life, he saw the hand of God in all creation.

St. Francis' vision is shared by The Grotto. His presence in statue and spirit complements The Grotto gardens.

This bronze sculpture, created by artist Michael Florin Dente, was installed in 1993 in The Grotto Upper Gardens.
The Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love; 
Where there is injury, pardon; 
Where there is doubt, faith; 
Where there is despair, hope; 
Where there is darkness, light; 
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console; 
To be understood, as to understand; 
To be loved, as to love; 
For it is in giving that we receive, 
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. 
Amen.
Coming up

Tomorrow: Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

To view all features so far: click here

We thank you for your continued support at this difficult time.
The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother

NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon

503-254-7371