Lord God,

Give me your grace today to make my worship and honor of you be sincere, and not just going through the motions of prayer and sacrifice. Give me the grace today to share in a portion of the heart of Jesus, who is full of compassion and mercy. Allow me to know if and when I may be acting for others to see my good deeds that are merely for show. Allow my prayer not to be half hearted. Teach me through Your Saints to be whole hearted in my prayer, worship and sacrifices, for the sake of others.

Amen.

Your Sanctuary, Your Stories

As we continue the celebration of our Centennial Anniversary, we hope you will enjoy this month's feature, "Your Sanctuary, Your Stories".

We look forward to sharing YOUR stories about what The Grotto means to you. Every day this month, check this space and discover how the sanctuary has brought peace and joy to so many.

Today: Dina Marie Hale

Above: Dina Marie with her grandchildren at the Christmas Festival of Lights.

"A Place of Promise"

As an adult Catholic convert, I first encountered the beauty of The Grotto while working at Mater Dei Radio (KBVM) in Portland.

It was my privilege and pleasure to interview Servite priest Father Jack Topper on several occasions, to discuss the history and natural wonder of The Grotto, and to promote so many inspiring events on the sacred grounds. One of my most treasured moments at The Grotto was when we broadcast live during the opening night of the Christmas Festival of Lights one year. The air waves uncovered the angelic melody of The Grotto carolers during the blessing of the life-size Nativity scene in the Grotto Cave. It was a unique and special way to reveal the true meaning of Christmas to our listeners.

On several occasions Mater Dei Radio partnered with The Grotto to host Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations with recording artist Donn Cori. I have the most vivid memory of standing next to Tony Galati (now Father Tony Galati) at the back of the church hearing thousands of voices passionately pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy while kneeling and adoring our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament exposed. It was awesome to witness the chapel of Mary completely filled and every voice and tongue in unison, begging Our Lord to pour down mercy on the whole world.

For me, The Grotto is a conduit for powerful prayer, it provides a place for the weary to discover true peace, and it serves as a constant reminder of the promise of Jesus Christ - “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matt 28:20

Below: Dina Marie with Fr. Jack Topper, OSM, at KBVM's old studio.

Below: Photos from around The Grotto, a place of prayer.

Send Us Your Stories

We would love to share YOUR story. What does The Grotto mean to you? When did you first visit? What is your favorite place? What would you like us to know?

Please email jtokito@thegrotto.org for more information or to send us your story.

We will be sharing your stories all month long. Thank you for being a part of The Grotto community.

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.