A Place of Sanctuary
Bringing The Grotto to You
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Day 35:The Chapel of Mary |
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Building the Chapel of Mary
The Chapel of Mary began construction in 1953. It was designed by L.L. Dougan of Dougan & Heims, Architects. The rock used to build it came from the Rocky Butte Quarry.
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Above: The groundbreaking ceremony with Servite Fr. John M. Wheeler.
Below: The old path to the elevator is visible on the right.
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The Dedication
The Chapel of Mary was dedicated in 1955 by Portland Archbishop Edward D. Howard. Scaffolding is still present on the tower in photos from the celebration, as seen below.
An arcade was built at the same time as the chapel, and the doors under the arcade led to a gift shop. Since then, a new gift shop was built by our main entrance, and this spot was turned into a Visitor Center.
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The Changing Landscape
Not only have the trees grown since the Chapel of Mary was built, but the landscape has also changed, as seen in photos from construction of the Chapel.
Mt. St. Helens, the volcano 52 miles north of The Grotto, changed significantly in its 1980 eruption.
Below: The Grotto's "before and after" view of Mt. St. Helens.
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The Tower
On the north side of the Chapel is a 110-foot bell tower, crowned with a dome and cross.
A beautiful mosaic of the Mother and Child, along with marble statues of the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, are clearly visible on the tower.
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The Entrance
The bas-relief over the bronze doors and marble entrance to the Chapel portray the Baptism of Christ. The statues to each side represent St. Alexis, OSM, and St. Juliana, OSM.
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Statues of St. Peter and St. Paul are located at the exterior corners of the Chapel. |
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Inside the Chapel of Mary
Behind the bronze doors the Chapel seats approximately 500 people. Mosaics, graceful statues and murals embrace all who enter. The main ceiling vaults to over 50 feet.
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The Murals
The paintings on the walls and ceilings are the work of Jose De Soto. He painted churches in Europe and the United States. For many years he also worked at 20th Century Fox painting movie sets.
The centerpiece of the treasured murals on the Chapel walls is entitled "The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mother into Heaven."
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Editor's Note 4/18/2021: Since the publication of this email one year ago, the Chapel of Mary went under its first major restoration in almost 70 years. This included restoring the murals. Below is a photograph of the newly-restored mural and improved lighting.
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The side walls are the Via Matris, which is Latin for "The Way of the Mother." They depict difficult moments in the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. You can also see these scenes depicted in the Upper Gardens in wood carvings. |
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The Statues
All the statues you see are made from Carrara marble, a historic marble quarry in Italy (and the same marble Michelangelo use in the original Pieta). The statues are actually from Italy.
We have statues in churches as a reminder of the significant people in our lives. These statues depict holy people in the life of the church and the Servite community.
On the right you will will find St. Peregrine, OSM, a mosaic of St. Anne (the Mother of Mary), and statues of St. Philip Benizi, OSM, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
On the right side of the chapel you will find a statue of St. Juliana Falconieri, OSM, a mosaic of the Seven Holy Founders, and statues of Sacred Heart, St. Pius X and St. Joseph.
Most of the shrines in the Chapel are from the Eredi Studios in Pietrasanta, Italy, a religious art colony near Pisa.
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The Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross that almost circle the Chapel are also made of Carrara marble. They depict the painful scenes of Good Friday, the day on which Jesus was crucified. They help us to reflect on the painful price of our redemption. Through this reflection, we are helped in the painful times of our own lives.
The Grotto also offers an outdoor Stations of the Cross path, which winds through forested land on our lower level.
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The Stain Glass Window
The stained glass window on the front exterior of the Chapel depicts the Resurrection of Christ. It is 25 feet tall and was made in 1954 by artists commissioned by the Karl Hackart Company of Chicago.
The Resurrection of Jesus gives hope in the difficult times of our own lives because Jesus is faithful to his promise to be with us always.
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Editor's Note 4/18/2021: Recent Chapel restoration included painting the walls and ceiling, as seen below.
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Celebrating Mass in the Chapel of Mary
Mass is celebrated every day of the year in the Chapel.
In the warmer months, Mass is held outdoors in the plaza.
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The Acoustics
The acoustics in the Chapel make it a magnificent place to sing. There is a strong echo effect, which is clearly conducive to a wonderful choral sound, as testified to by the choirs who perform here throughout the year.
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Listen to Irish singer Dermot Kiernan chant inside the Chapel of Mary.
We hope you enjoy this special treat.
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The Christmas Festival of Lights
At last year's Christmas Festival of Lights, we were honored to host over 6,000 performers in the Chapel. Choirs from around the region enjoy performing in the Chapel with its cathedral-like acoustics.
The Chapel is also one of our most photographed places at the Festival.
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A Prayer Blessing for the Chapel of Mary
Gracious and ever-loving God we ask your eternal blessing on the Chapel of Mary.
May those seekers and pilgrims that visit our humble Chapel find peace, consolation, and perseverance.
May the images of the saints carved in marble serve as support, witness and role models for us.
May the murals of the Seven Sorrows of Mary help us to focus our lives on humble service, compassion, and hope.
May the Good News of our Salvation always be preached from the Ambo.
May all be nourished at this Altar through the celebration of the Mass, and may Your praises always be sung as we gather.
Bless each of the Servite Priests and the Oblate Sisters of St. Martha who serve here.
Gathered, nourished and sent, may all who enter into this holy Chapel be prepared to love and serve you, O Lord, as well as our neighbor.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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The Grotto
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother
NE 85th & Sandy Blvd.
Portland, Oregon
503-254-7371
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