Photo: Ford, Brad
The Grotto is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2024 with a year of special events and service to others.
Founded in 1924 by Servite Fr. Ambrose Mayer, Portland's historic shrine has been a sanctuary of peace for all people for the past century. Encompassing 54 acres of forest and gardens in the middle of the city, The Grotto, formally known as the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, is still ministered by the Servite Friars. It welcomes more than 350,000 visitors every year and is famous for its annual Christmas Festival of Lights.
Large celebrations will take place in the warmer months. The first part of 2024 is dedicated to service to others, inspired by the Servite's mission of caring for those suffering or alone.
To kick off the year, The Grotto is partnering with the American Red Cross to attempt to collect 100 units of blood at a three-day blood drive. Monday, Jan. 8 - Wednesday, Jan. 10 at The Grotto Conference Center. To register to give blood at one of the January drive's, here is the link:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=NEpdxComm
Upcoming projects include collecting 100 coats, blankets, and barrels of food.
At the dedication of the shrine in 1924, Archbishop Alexander Christie offered this prayer: “Let this be a sanctuary of peace for all peoples of the earth, and surely in this day a sanctuary is needed. Torn with differences, strife, and grief, the world needs sanctuary where the human spirit can seek peace and consolation.”
These words remain true today.
Source: The Grotto