The Grotto

Beautiful space for meditation and prayer (if that is your practice). We went Boxing Day, and had we known about the lights, we might have timed our visit differently.

Despite the cold weather, we managed to see most of the shrines, especially those to Mary from around the world. I highly recommend taking some time out of a busy season to reflect and simply be, there are few enough spaces provided for such moments in our secular and materialistic society.

My sweetheart and I have made our Christmas-time visit to the Grotto's 'Festival Of Lights' a tradition. Generally speaking, our annual visit is a neutral experience. The rain has been an expected annoyance in the past, rendering it innocuous. The evening cold has been bitter, but not these past few years. Parking took a combination of experience, timing, and finesse to work to our advantage. The lot attendants are helpful and courteous unless you happen upon one kid lost in his/her smartphone. However, this year was a truly enjoyable, entertaining, and talent-filled evening from entry to exit. The light displays guide us along as we head to the chapel. Outside the door is the event schedule advising us what we're happy to view. Gone is the strident hyper-Catholic demand by the door handlers to remove your hat. One year in particular, a door handler barked at me to remove my hat. I smiled and politely removed my cap. However, unbeknownst to him, I was raised a Catholic and know full well the protocols associated with entry into the hall. I was less than appreciative of Mr. Orthodox's heavy hand and abrupt manner while being reminded by my fam to "let it go." This year was sweet and light, accompanied by a placard advising the visitor on their conduct. Proactive works best when applied. The show began with the mellifluous vocal talent of Rhiona. Her remarkable vocal range was phenomenal. The room's acoustics assisted in radiating her vocals well and provided more body to her voice by adding more dimension. Several times during her performance, Rhiona displayed a stunning range of scaling in her singing. Chicken skin, yo! This performance certainly warmed us up for what was about to follow. I complimented her as she and her family exited, and her father turned to me to share that she was his daughter and how proud he was of her. We completely understand why! Next up was Tyger Bailey, a Celtic Harpist who set up, plugged into her microamp, and filled the chapel with the gorgeous tone of her delicate string plucking. I felt terrible that people got up and left mid-performance, unaware that, as a performer, you can be distracted by the audience's movement. As someone who loves all sorts of musical performances, I find the harp to be as beautiful in sound as it is mysterious in its nuanced complexity. This stringed instrument is not a particularly easy instrument to master. I took several photos of her playing and noticed she was playing with her eyes closed. Wow! Ms. Bailey's Celtic Harp performance was superb! The third act was a men's choral group, Vocal Summitt. As the members filed in, we had no idea what to expect musically from these fellas. The talent reveal was immediate and engrossing. The director had the rapt attention of every singer, many of whom displayed all manner of animated movement and vocal talent. The harmony, kinetic energy, and inviting personality of the entire group made this performance uplifting and fun. The set list was well thought out and married itself well to the exuberance of these lively singers as they performed. The three performances made for an incredible evening of live music at The Grotto and had us leaving the event enveloped in the holiday spirit, setting the mood for what turned out to be an exceptionally loving, family-oriented, and soulfully rewarding celebration of the Christmas holiday. Please let these celebratory moments preview what's to follow in the following year! Happy Chrissy!! - @daFigz™
























































Festival of Lights a holiday tradition.

Visited for the Christmas Lights. My wife has been wanting to come for years and I'm glad that we finally did. Parking can definitely be a hassle. We thought we were arriving early; however by the time we got there at 5 the parking lot was already full. The directions for the spill-over parking was sort of confusing but we ended up finding parking on the street.

The lighting and decor is pretty impressive; but the crowd of people and the vibes are what really make the Christmas experience. They have several attractions that really make it worth the time. Between the photo-ops, carolers, the church itself, and the hot chocolate & donuts, there's something for everyone.

Beautiful and Serene!!

It's such a peaceful setting to walk around and enjoy. They do events and also have the Festival of Lights.

I used to go here many years ago and surprised how busy it's gotten.

Such a beautiful, breathtaking, and peaceful place!!! There's an overwhelming feeling of love, peace, and God's presence.

As you approach The Grotto, there is a gift shop to the left. That's where you will purchase your coin for entrance. They sell candles there for you to light at the altar if you choose.

Don't forget to stop by the meditation glass chapel. There you'll find an amazing view of Portland and Michel Angelo's replica of Pieta!

What an amazingly beautiful and serene place.
We arriving on a Saturday at 11am. Ample parking.
We slowly strolled in. The moment you set foot on the grounds, you already want to slow down to enjoy the richness of the lush greenery as you walk forth.
We opted for the lower area, the Grotto and the Chapel. There's no charge. The walk to the Grotto was magnificent. Enormously tall trees with very manicured smaller trees and bushes. There's a paved path that opens up to the amphitheater like area and the Grotto.
It's amazing, it's beautiful, it's peaceful.
We were lucky enough to be there when you had a Saturday mass. We were able to join the mass in the chapel. Such a blessing.
What a wonderful afternoon spent.

Visited this place while visiting a cousin in Portland. It was a very nice, serene, peaceful place. The grounds were so beautifully kept. It is definitely a must visit if you are in the area. I would love to come back when they have events.

I loved all the plaques around the grounds chronicling the Stations of the Cross. Always moving to see all the craftsmanship.

It's surprising that it is right in the middle of the city just outside the grounds. You would never it was there unless you knew what you were looking for.

It must be nice for those houses nearby who could walk to it.

Beautiful outdoor church with a history!

Come with your friends and family. Check out their gardens and statues. We came at a time where the flowers were blooming. Church was in service indoor.

Outdoor area was immense with carvings into the wall. A must see if you are in the area.

They sell holy water, candles for prayers and much more!

One hundred years ago a grotto was created into this incredible rock face where soon later was installed a beautiful reproduction of Michaelangelo's Pieta. This beautiful work of man's craftsmanship stands today amidst an inner-city secluded area inspiring meditation and solemnity inspiring self-contemplation and thoughtful introspection in nature's beauty within a 62-acre ecological enclave. One can leisurely, yet wondrously meander the walk paths of this remarkable garden/park to quietly ponder, picnic or serenely contemplate the open seclusion of nature's marvelous wonder. When visiting Portland, this is a must visit - enjoy a couple of hours of tranquility. It is truly a gem and isolated treasure within the bustle of the city.

This place is truly a unique experience in the Portland area! Something I knew I had to do when we travelled to Portland. When we arrived (around 9-10am on a weekday) it was quite empty, we went into the shop and bought two tickets. This was also my first time speaking to nuns- they were so sweet giving us recommendations of what else to do.

I do wish the entrance fee was a bit cheaper but when we got the tickets they give you coins which you enter into the top area to get the entrance to the rest of the grotto. The bottom section is free so you can visit the cave/statue/mass area for free.

When you get to the top there is some small trails and 1 meditation center which has some amazing views of Portland! The Meditation center, gift shop, and there is one other small building downstairs that are the only indoor spots of the whole area so be prepare to be in the elements.

Highly recommend for anymore who is looking for a unique experience in the Portland area!