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When did you first come to The Grotto?
I grew up in a small town in Oregon. Sometimes our family would go camping at the beach for a week in the summer. One year on our way home (when I was probably 8 or 9 years old), we attended the outdoor Mass at The Grotto. It was the first time I attended Mass outdoors, and I was mesmerized by the rock cliff.
What was your first impression?
It wasn’t until I visited The Grotto as an adult twenty-some years later that I realized I had been here before. Walking from the parking lot to the main plaza, I felt as if I was walking through a peaceful forest, surrounded and embraced by tall evergreens gently swaying in the breeze.
What is your favorite place at The Grotto?
I love the upper gardens; they are ever changing throughout the year and are always beautiful. I feel fortunate whenever I have the chance to spend time there. I love to have out-of-town family members or friends join me and discover (or rediscover) this place for themselves.
What is your favorite place in the Upper Gardens?
I can’t choose just one, but there are three sculptures that are my favorites. First is the statue of Saint Joseph and the child Jesus; most images show both Joseph and Jesus looking out to us. This image shows Joseph and Jesus looking at each other, just as any child and parent would naturally do. The second statue is the Assumption statue in the rose garden in front of the monastery; Mary is beautifully portrayed and is the image of serenity. The third sculpture is in the Via Matris where Mary is holding the infant Jesus tightly as she and Joseph flee to Egypt, uncertain of the future that awaits them. I am moved by all three of these sculptures every time I walk through the gardens.
Do you have any special memories?
A memory I cherish: an old friend with whom I had lost contact called me one day and wanted to reconnect. I suggested we meet at The Grotto. We walked the peaceful upper gardens for a few hours as we caught up on the years and events that had transpired since last we had talked. Our visit rekindled a friendship that we both thought had been lost.
Have you been to the Christmas Festival of Lights?
Yes - many times! It is a wonderful event. It is a delight to overhear the excitement of children who are experiencing the lights, puppet shows, and carolers. I love that so many choirs have the opportunity to sing in the chapel.
What do you love most about The Grotto?
I love that in addition to it being a Catholic shrine, it is a place where everyone is welcome. It is a place of serenity, inspiration, consolation, and comfort.
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