Bringing The Grotto to You

A Place of Sanctuary

Daily Spiritual Reflection

Growing up in a house of seven, two adults and five children, evening suppers were always labor intensive. Preparing and cooking the meal, setting the table and the clean-up after the meal. Lots went into the meal even when times were economically lean.

My Mom had a large pot she often used the cook supper. That pot seemed to endlessly provide food to feed my large, hungry family. No matter the amount or type of ingredients, that pot, Mom’s culinary abilities, and her love for us, always provided meals that were tasty and abundant. We were always more than satisfied.

The Lord took five barley loaves and two fish, mixed it with faith and love and fed thousands. Those fed were more than satisfied. The reality of life is that we don’t need much to be satisfied. Faith in God provides hope in any situation. The love of family and friends provides the courage needed to live with confidence because we are never alone.

When we have faith, hope and love our lives are abundant with the ingredients for a life that is full and abundant. Today whatever you need, give your desire to the Lord and from His heart he will endlessly serve you with the blessings you need. You will be more than satisfied.

Fr. Don Siple, OSM, Rector of The Grotto

Light a Candle at The Grotto

Purchase a candle to be lighted at The Grotto. Your candle will burn for seven days in the outdoor cradles by The Grotto.

Your support will help The Grotto continue its ministry through this difficult time.

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Bringing The Grotto to You

We will continue to share a piece of The Grotto with you each day until Masses resume and our gardens open. We hope this feature brings you joy.

Please share our emails with friends and family. Help spread the word that The Grotto is here, and looking forward to the glorious day when we can reopen our gates.

Day 40: The Labyrinth

The History of Labyrinths

T he labyrinth has been described as a path of prayer, a walking meditation, a crucible of change and a mirror of the soul. It is an ancient pattern found in many cultures and religious traditions around the world. As far back as 4000 years, labyrinth designs were found on the pottery, tablets and tiles of ancient civilizations.

During the Middle Ages, labyrinths symbolically represented a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and many labyrinths were constructed in the churches and cathedrals of Europe. The French still call the labyrinth walk “The Road to Jerusalem.”

The labyrinth is a winding, circular path, but it is not a maze. It has a defined entrance and a single path that winds into the center. The labyrinth walker proceeds at his or her own preferred pace toward the center. This is the destination, the place of meeting. After a prayerful time, the walker follows the same path outward, and the entrance to the labyrinth becomes the exit.

Walk the Labyrinth with

Fr. Richard Boyle, OSM

Join Fr. Richard on a 20-minute prayer and meditation walk of the Labyrinth.

Click here to view

The Grotto Labyrinth (2010)

This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Grotto Labyrinth, which was dedicated in the summer of 2010.

The Grotto Labyrinth is modeled after the labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral, 50 miles outside of Paris, France.

The Chartres labyrinth was created in the 1200s.

How to Walk the Labyrinth

Walking the labyrinth is a spiritual journey during which the walker or pilgrim is engaged in a centering experience as he or she takes each step on the path. In this way, mind, body and spirit are integrated, and the entire experience becomes one of being rather than doing. God alone is the focus of this journey, encountered at the center, within the heart of the seeker.

Three stages of the walk

There are generally three stages to the labyrinth walk:

The intention one brings to this time of prayer.
The meeting, or receiving at the center of the labyrinth.
Taking back into the world that which was received.

Suggestions for the walk

Quiet your mind and become aware of your breath. Allow yourself to find the pace your body wants to go.

Since the path is two-way, those going in will meet those coming out. You may “pass” people or let others step around you.

Do what feels natural. Walk the labyrinth with an open mind and an open heart.

The Footsteps of Many

The labyrinth receives the footsteps of many; each person bringing his or her own prayer.

It has been placed on holy ground and will absorb all the footsteps and prayers to come. In this way, it becomes a sacred place.

The Peace Garden Location

When visiting the labyrinth at The Grotto, one would think the trees had grown up around it. In truth, an area of brush was cleared in the middle of a grove of large firs at the edge of the Peace Garden, and the labyrinth constructed between the trees.

To learn more about the Peace Garden, click here to view an earlier edition of "Bringing The Grotto to You."

Building the Labyrinth

The labyrinth was built by John H. Zuber Construction. Brick design and installation was overseen by Stephen Shibley of Fertile Ground, LLC.

Below are photos from the construction of the labyrinth in 2010.

A Photographer's Delight

The labyrinth is a popular place for photos. The pattern of the bricks and the secluded location create some wonderful art.

A Unique Perspective

Special thanks to Providential Travels for sharing these 360 ° photographs.

Please send us your photos

Do you have a favorite photo you took at the labyrinth? We would love to see it. Please send it to [email protected] . We will feature your favorite photos in an upcoming edition of "Bringing The Grotto to You."

Mass Enrollment Cards

Perpetual Enrollment in The Grotto’s Guild of Masses and Prayer honors yourself, your family or your loved ones, and provides support for The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother.

Click here to purchase.

The Grotto Gift Shop

The Grotto Gift Shop is open for curbside pick-up or online shipping during our closure. You can shop online, or check out our Curbside Shopping page on our website.

If you do not see what you are looking for, feel free to contact our director of retail operations by clicking here .

Below are just a few of the seasonal items available. Please check out our online shop and our curbside shopping page to learn more.