Marilyn Moyer Meditation Chapel

Built in 1991, the Meditation Chapel rises from the north face of Rocky Butte, facing the panoramic vista of the Columbia River, which separates the beautiful states of Oregon and Washington. On a clear day, you can see Mt. St. Helens 52 miles to the north.

The chapel is 1,500 square feet in size, built of polished granite and glass walls.

When you are inside the building, you are physically looking out from the top portion of a large cross that is lit up at night. The cross can be seen from quite a distance as you travel South on I-205.

The chapel was built in memory of Marilyn Moyer as a gift to The Grotto from her husband, Tom Moyer, and the Moyer children. Recognizing her life-long devotion to the Blessed Mother, this chapel will remain forever a place where all may come for peaceful meditation.

The building was designed by Thompson Vaivoda and Associates, and has received both national and international architectural awards, including a 1992 Grand Award for Engineering Excellence from the American Engineers Council.

Inside the chapel

Large, comfortable chairs await your visit. Whether you choose to pray, to meditate, or to simply take a break and enjoy the view, the Meditation Chapel is a place of peace and quiet.

Bronze copy of Michelangelo's Pietà

Located inside the Meditation Chapel, this rare copy of Michelangelo's Pietà is one of twelve bronze casts being made by the Ferdinando Marinelli Foundry in Florence, Italy. The bronze copies were created from a plaster cast taken of the original marble sculpture in 1932 by the Marinelli Foundry with the permission of the Vatican.

Michelangelo completed his masterpiece Pietà out of Carrera marble in 1499 when he was only 24 years old. The sculpture is found in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. This Pietà is displayed on consignment in the Meditation Chapel through the generosity of its owners.

Prayer to Our Mother of Sorrows "Lady of the Pietà"

O Holy Mother of Sorrows, with strength from above you stood by the cross of Jesus, sharing in his sufferings, and with tender care you bore him in your arms, mourning and weeping.

We praise you for your faith, which accepted the life God planned for you.

We praise you for your hope, which trusted that God would do great things in you. We praise you for your love in bearing with Jesus the sorrows of his passion.

Holy Mary, may we follow your example and stand by all your children who need comfort and love. O Most Blessed Mother of God, stand by us in our trials and care for us in our many needs.

We ask you to support us with your embrace of motherly love and protection.

Pray for us to you Son, Jesus, now and always.

Amen.

A photographer's dream

The Meditation Chapel is our most photographed place in the Upper Gardens.

The angles of the building, the reflections in the water outside, and the spectacular view make every photo different.



Here are just a few of our favorites.

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, April 9 – Brian Martinek, Executive Director of Northwest Regional Re-Entry Center.

NWRRC supports and educates individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system back into their communities. They provide life skills and provide structure and supervision while ensuring positive change for their residents. Brian is a former Chief of Police for Vancouver and a retired Assistant Chief of the Portland Police Bureau. 

Sign up to attend: Mass, Lunch & Learn