Our Providential God and Father, we pray to you today for equal and just distribution of the world’s good and resources. Free us from greediness and selfishness, so that everyone has more than enough on their table. Grant us generosity and make our hearts charitable.

We ask this through Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Mass, Lunch & Learn

Join us every month for this special series. Gather in the Auditorium (directly under the Chapel of Mary) immediately after the noon Mass for lunch and a featured speaker discussing a new topic each month.

Lunch will be provided. Attendance limited to 15 people, sign up required.

Tuesday, Aug. 6: Rick Ganz, Founder & Director of the Faber Institute

Rick, a Spokane native, was educated in Catholic and public schools and entered the Jesuit Order (the Society of Jesus) at the age of nineteen. He has served the Church as Priest, educator, scholar, retreat master, spiritual director and administrator for fifty years.

In 2014, Rick founded the Faber Institute (named for St. Peter Faber, SJ, one of St. Ignatius of Loyola's closest friends). The Institute strives to inspire people to seek greater depth of life, to desire to know God as well as God knows us, and to grow in our availability to Him.

Sign up to attend: Mass, Lunch & Learn

AARP Smart Driver TEK

Technology is constantly changing the driving experience. Blind spot warnings, lane change alerts, emergency response systems – all of it designed and included in most new vehicles to keep you safer. AARP Smart DriverTEK is a FREE 90-minute in-person workshop that familiarizes drivers with all of the latest car tech features.

Thursday, August 15

10 a.m.

The Grotto Conference Center

Attendee Sign Up

Concert on the Lawn with Michael Allen Harrison

Friday, August 23

6 p.m.

The Grotto Upper Gardens

Enjoy an evening of music and conversation with Michael Allen Harrison on the lawn in The Grotto’s scenic Upper Gardens. Guests will delight in the serene setting amid towering firs, offering an enchanting backdrop for the evening.

$75 per person. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages, including beer and wine, are included in your ticket price.

Food and beverages will be available at 6 p.m. Performance begins at approximately 6:30 p.m.

Please email events@thegrotto.org with any questions or for more information.

Click here to purchase tickets

Celebrating the Centennial

As we continue to celebrate our Centennial Anniversary, we hope you will enjoy this next feature, "The Grotto Through the Decades."

Today: The 1950s

1951: The Calvary Scene

As you enter the parking area of the lower level, you are greeted by a sculpture depicting the death of Jesus at the crucifixion.

The white Carrera marble tableau was installed in 1951 and carved by the Eredi Studios in Peitrasanta, Italy, a religious art colony near Pisa in Tuscany.

It is fitting that such a simple and elegant sculpture greets the visitors who come to our sanctuary, the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, for in Catholic literature and piety, the source of Mary's sorrow is the death of her son, Jesus.

1951: The Sacred Heart Statue

Arms outstretched in welcome, this statue of Jesus has stood near the entrance to our sanctuary greeting visitors since 1951. The original statue was replaced in 1969.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a reminder of the warmth and humanness of Jesus.

The statue seems to say to visitors, "Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you." Matthew 11:28

1955: 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.

Above: The groundbreaking ceremony with Servite Fr. John M. Wheeler.

Below: The old path to the elevator is visible on the right.

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.

Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The Grotto Gift Shop has a wide variety of items including books, rosaries, cards, medals, jewelry, home accessories, yummy treats, and much more.

We invite you to come and explore the store.