Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Upper Gardens admission sold until 5 p.m.

Masks must be properly worn at all times while visiting The Grotto. Please maintain six feet of space for social distancing and follow all instructional signs.

Mass Livestream

While the Chapel is closed for restoration, Mass will be livestreamed daily at 10 a.m. from the Monastery of Our Sorrowful Mother at The Grotto.

You can find the stream on our YouTube channel.
Easter Faith

Faith is matter of life. Everything we say and do begins and ends with faith. We believe in natural occurrences. We believe that we will surely be alive tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. We believe that Covid will end. Many believe that they have enough money in their bank account as indicated by electronic or digital numbers in it. This kind of faith is called natural.

More than that, there is much higher faith and that is supernatural. This is exactly the context of Easter event. Easter is not just another stage of event in the life of the disciples. Easter is a much higher event that requires or demands total attentiveness and listening more the than what the eye can see. But unless we understand the reason of the coming and public ministry of the Lord, it will be more difficult for us to comprehend his Resurrection. This is the invitation of the gospel to story for today, to the two Marys and to us in the narrative.

Sometimes the words “to see is to believe” does not always coincide. To see is one thing, to believe is another. Not everything that we see is believable. Isn’t that ironic? But true, isn’t it? When it happens there must be something wrong with our human freedom and will. Perhaps unbelief brought about by pride and arrogance is the one thing already reigning or controlling our hearts. That is why many times we have heard in the gospel the words “hardness of hearts” or “their hearts were closed” or “stony hearts”. This is the main if not the only obstacle why many find it so hard to move up into the supernatural level of what we call, faith. However, faith is a gift.

Faith is not innate. Rather, faith is given to us. It is being received from a giver. Faith is not purely academic. All we need to do is accept it and constantly nurture it. But sometimes, like other gifts, faith is also being put aside, ignored if not thrown away altogether.

Let us therefore follow and imitate St. Peter in the first reading. That like him, we may also show courage and determination that comes from our growing and maturing discipleship, brought about by our faith in the Lord Jesus. As Easter people, we are called to be bold in proclaiming Jesus as we sharing our faith in a lively, Easter way.

Amen.

Fr. Edgar Benedi-An, OSM 
Chapel to Reopen

We are delighted to share the news that the Chapel of Mary will reopen to visitors on Thursday, April 8.

Daily Mass will continue to be livestreamed from the Monastery until the new sound systems is installed, but we are excited to welcome you all inside later this week.
Click on the video and take a moment to relax and experience the serenity of the sanctuary.

Today, listen to the tranquil sounds of the falls at St. Philip Benizi's Retreat on the lower level.
Join Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM, Rector of The Grotto, for a daily stroll through the garden.

Each day, enjoy photos and videos taken by Father Vidal, often during hours when the grounds are closed.

Today, the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue in the Upper Gardens is surrounded by the sights of spring.

Remembering a year ago:
Bringing The Grotto to You

One year ago, in response to the growing pandemic, we began a series of daily emails called "A Place of Sanctuary: Bringing The Grotto to You." We closed completely a short time later, and that closure lasted for months.

The "Bringing The Grotto to You" series highlighted a feature at (or about) The Grotto each day. The series lasted for 88 days, the length of our closure.

We hope you enjoy this feature, "Looking Back", where we will share a piece of those emails every day for 88 days. Click the link below to view today's feature, which was originally shared this time last year.
Plaza Office Hours

Monday - Saturday (Not available Thursday)
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

A Friar will be in the office attached to the Visitor Center during the above hours.

They gladly await your request for confession, spiritual guidance and blessing of articles. You may also set up an appointment for a blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine. Masks and social distancing are required.

You are also welcome to contact a Friar directly at the emails listed below.
Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM
Rector of The Grotto
Fr. Ignatius Kissel, OSM
Fr. Leo Hambur, OSM
Fr. Edgar Benedi-An, OSM
Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Let The Grotto Gift Shop carries a great collection of items for Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

CURBSIDE PICK-UP AVAILABLE: call 503-261-2424
Upcoming Blood Drives

Friday, April 23
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center

Wednesday, May 19
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center
Light a Candle
If you are unable to visit in person, you may purchase a candle to be lighted at The Grotto. Your candle will burn for seven days in the outdoor cradles.

Your support will allow our sanctuary to continue its mission of being a place of peace, prayer and natural beauty for all.
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.