The Monestary at The Grotto
T h e G r o t t o
“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.”
***Henry David Thoreau***
One of my most favorite places in the world is The Grotto. It is a magical place where spirituality and nature meet in a tranquil atmosphere of well-tended gardens, natural areas and man-made splendor.
The Grotto is the popular name of The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother. It is a spectacular 62-acre Catholic shrine and botanical garden located in my hometown of Portland, Oregon.
”The Grotto strives to provide a welcoming presence and a
beautiful environment conducive to peace, quiet, and spiritual inspiration. The Grotto offers understanding, compassion, support and hope through a variety of ministries including counseling, education, spiritual direction and liturgical celebrations. The Grotto endeavors to serve all people.” ( Grotto website)
Although The Grotto is an internationally renowned Catholic shrine, it provides a spiritual and peaceful retreat for people of all faiths and for those that have none at all. It truly is a hidden gem in the city, just minutes from downtown. To walk these grounds one would be hard-pressed to notice this fact. The Grotto is also a stunning botanical garden filled with fir trees, rhododendrons and other native plants.
The Lower level
The lower level contains 20 acres of natural woodland. There is a solemn peacefulness here. A certain quietness that evokes a sense that you are in quite another world. Here I feel safe and protected by the tall pines, their spicy scent filling my senses; bringing back forgotten childhood memories and putting a spring in my step.
I have walked here often in this wild and untamed section of The Grotto. I admire the way the land is cared for. The way some would say God intended, certainly the way Mother nature intended. Fallen trees overgrown with brush and leaf litter are sure signs of natural land stewardship.
Happy Jesus
Our Lady’s Grotto
The church at The Grotto
The elevator
The Labyrinth
St. Jude
Saint Francis
Angel in the sun
One of the highlights of a trip to the upper gardens includes one of the most spectacular views in town, The cliff side Meditation Chapel is truly something to see. Made of polished granite and glass walls it certainly makes quite an impression.
This beautiful building showcases an amazing view of the Columbia River Valley, the Cascades and Mt. St. Helens. It is no wonder that this building has received both national and international architectural awards.
St. Anne’s Chapel
Strawberryindigo.
Related articles
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Unusual (The Monastery at The Grotto) (picturesinlivingcolor.wordpress.com)
- Grotto Website: http://www.thegrotto)
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Dear Strawberryindigo: I was impressed by your view on The Grotto. I have a feeling that there’s more here than meets the eye. Warm regards, Marc Marrs
Thank you marc marrs; You are so right, there is so much more….. Warm regards to you too!
wow, I love all the photo’s you shared absolutely beautiful my friend…
Hello Willoheart! Thanks so much.
Hello Willoheart! Thanks so much.
I see there is a statue of my favorite saint, the one whose name I chose for my confirmation, St. Francis. Thank you for sharing these great thoughts and pictures.
I am finding peace and calm in a Catholic shrine built for Padre Pio, some 40 miles outside of Philadelphia. A young girl who was cured and whose case was used for his cannonization, helps run the gift shop at the shrine. I look forward to my visits there and remembering what Catholicism imprinted upon me years ago and its guidance for my spiritual journey seeking enlightenment and a little fun on the side.
Who says spirituality has to be somber?
Hello Contoveros: St. Francis is my favorite as well, A have a soft spot for animals and for those who are kind to them. I believe spirituality is supposed to feel good and places such as these do this.
I appreciate your thoughtful comments. Thank you much.
How lovely and peaceful the Grotto looks. I live to far away to visit, however if I am ever in the area I will make it a “must see”. Beautiful photography. Peace.
Hello big Smile: Yes, it is peaceful there. I am glad that if you ever make it to Portland that you will visit the place. We here in Portland appreciate people with big smiles. Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by.
Hello big Smile: Yes, it is peaceful there. I am glad that if you ever make it to Portland that you will visit the place. We here in Portland appreciate people with big smiles. Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by.
Wow. I loved to do “sightseeing” thru Your wonderful photos. Great place – Grotto.
Hello Sartenada: Thanks for the kind words. It is a great place. I didn’t do much.
think i’ve been there a long time ago with the folks. looks good. I live somewhere around there, kinda and maybe I’ll go there again……with a date. LOL. i like the pictures. good job strawberry.
Hello Eva: Thanks for the comment. I think that it would be a terrific idea to bring a date along provided it was the Mr Right type. I like your Gravatar.
am busy saving the world… must wear this. lol….Eva
Thank you for a lovely trip to such a beautiful and peaceful place. I loved seeing it through your eyes and camera lens. It makes all of me go “Ah-h-h-h….”
Hello there Heart to harp; It is a beautiful place. I enjoyed doing this post. Thanks for stopping by, it’s always nice to hear from you.
How wonderful to learn about this place. I’ve only been through Portland when riding a train, but I always try to visit places like this wherever I am. Your photos are terrific!
Hey Thanks Mikey!
A gorgeous place….full of serenity, spirituality, peace and wonder. I’d love to go there someday.
The gardens and sculptures are lovely. Various shades of green velvety lawns surrounded by beautiful foliage are a treat for the eyes. The little pond is delightful looking. I noticed your header and fell in love with that. Then I saw it again in your post. That spark of red for the house is such a great focal point amidst all the green, and the tall trees. What a beautiful view!
Your photos are magnificent. It really makes one want to go and stay.
Hello Judy: I feel the same way about the place. I would live there if I could. Thanks for writing in.
It does look beautiful up there…nice and peaceful.
What a lovely post! This looks a really special place and your photos of it are wonderful. I especially like the one of St Anne’s chapel with the light falling directly on the charming little building. Thank you!
Hello Cathy. Knowing how you appreciate beauty I think you would like it there.
It’s always nice to see you. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.