Meet the priest outside the Visitor Center while the renovation continues.
Lord, life can be overwhelming at times: so many demands are made on our time, so many people or tasks vying for our attention. For this moment right now, help me to be still; help me to breathe more deeply; help me to listen to what you are saying to my heart. For just this moment, let me savor the silence and peacefulness you give me.
Amen.
This week, as we continue our centennial celebration, we will bring you the beauty and serenity of the various gardens found throughout the sanctuary.
Which garden is your favorite?
Today:The Great Lawn
The Grotto Upper Gardens
The Grotto Upper Gardens are beautiful during all the seasons. From the spring flowers to the magnificent rhododendrons and autumn leaves, it is always a delight.
One constant throughout the year is the Great Lawn, located between St. Anne's Chapel and the Statue of Mary.
Concerts on the Lawn
The Grotto has been blessed to host Portland's premiere pianist, Michael Allen Harrison, for summer concerts on this lawn. The setting sun creates a striking silhouette of the Statue of Mary. Hawks sometimes soar above, seemingly enjoying the beautiful music.
This year, the Concert on the Lawn with Michael Allen Harrison will take place on Friday, August 23. Stay tuned for ticketing information. For questions, contact events@thegrotto.org.
St. Anne's Chapel
This small, chapel-like building honors St. Anne, the mother of Mary. Built in 1934 to house the Blessed Sacrament during the first United State Marian Congress, it is the oldest building at The Grotto.
Looking Back
Over 60,000 pilgrims came to the Marian Congress August 12-15, 1934, to celebrate. A temporary altar was built for the event, seen below in the photo. That is the spot where St. Anne's Chapel now stands. All these people were standing where the Great Lawn now lies.
Surrounded by the Colors of the Season
The Great Lawn is surrounded by many flowering plants, shrubs and trees. Early in the year, the camellias and tree blossom color the landscape. In the spring, the rhododendrons and azaleas come to life. In summertime, the hydrangeas are spectacular.
Your Sanctuary of Peace
All are welcome to come and enjoy this beautiful part of the Upper Gardens. There are plenty of benches in the area to stop and stay awhile.
Wine Tasting this Saturday
Saturday, July 13
2-5 p.m.
The Grotto Conference Center
Join us for an afternoon of wine tasting, followed by a guided tour through our Upper Gardens.
Chillable Reds have become incredibly popular over the last several years and are perfect for summer sipping in the sun. Chillable Reds are lighter in tannins, making them enjoyable to those who typically shy away from red wine. This class will include a flight of six wines, a hearty selection of snacks, and a guided tour of our Upper Gardens to end the afternoon.
