The Marguerite M. Casey Peace Garden

The Peace Garden was made possible in 1989 by a gift from Henry J. Casey in memory if his sister Marguerite.

The central feature of the garden is a large pond and flowing stream, symbolic of baptism. It covers one and a half acres in The Grotto Upper Gardens.

Darkness and Light

When entering the garden and walking through the winding path in the fullness of summer, you become very aware of darkness and light. That concept was incorporated with purpose to remind us that we are walking into the mystery of our redemption.

Prayer for Peace of Mind and Heart

Slow me down, slow me down, O Most Blessed Lord!

Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my harried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.

Give me, amidst the confusions of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory.

Help me to know the magical power of sleep.

Teach me the art of taking “minute vacations” of slowing down to look at a flower; to chat with an old friend or make a new one; to pet a dog; to watch a spider build a web; to smile at a child; or to read a few lines from a good book.



Remind me each day that the race is not always won by the swift; that there is more to life than increasing its speed.

Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.

Slow me down, Lord Jesus, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values that I may grow toward the stars of our greater destiny.



Amen.

The Grotto's Mission

"The Grotto offers a sanctuary of peace, prayer and natural beauty

for all people."

We invite you all to come and enjoy our peaceful gardens.

We hope you are enjoying the April series "Your Sanctuary of Peace".

Tomorrow: St. Francis of Assisi

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