The Grotto’s Mission

The Grotto offers a sanctuary of peace, prayer and natural beauty for all people.

The Grotto, the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, is a Roman Catholic ministry of the Order of Friar Servants of Mary. We carry out our mission with compassion, hope and faith that people who come to The Grotto will find their way to a closer relationship with God.

The Grotto’s Vision

To forever be a place where the human spirit can seek peace and consolation.

The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother embraces and supports people of all cultures and all faiths who seek a place of prayer and meditation; The Grotto values the dignity of everyone.

The Sanctuary

The Grotto is a 62-acres sanctuary located in Portland, Oregon. It was founded in 1924 by Servite Fr. Ambrose Mayer.