I was in Seattle staying for a month with my aunt for various reasons and it was unexpected tour going Oregon. First, we stopped by to the Grotto, the national Catholic shrine of our Sorrowful Mother. The whole place is fill with the shades of the trees which provides a spiritual and peaceful retreat. We arrived there just right after the mass; we just missed it so we just lighten up candles near the altar with a prayer. You may visit their website at “www.thegrotto.org/mass-schedule” for the schedule of the mass if you want to go visit and attend the mass.
We went straight to the upper level deck wherein the beautiful botanical garden lies. Well, you need to purchase $3 for children and $6 for adult for elevator ride; but it’s worth it once you see those pretty flowers, the calmness of the place, the different traditional shrines such as Dambana (Filipino Faith Shrine) and Meditation Chapel wherein you can see an astonishing view of the Columbia River and Mt. St. Helens from the cliff-side glass exterior.
Before we left, we passed the Gift Shop where we bought some souvenirs. Don’t forget to pass the Visitors Center where you can see a life-like sculpture of a mother and child made of polyester resin and fiberglass. The sculpture was originally placed in the Medication Chapel but to reduce the damaging effects of direct sunlight they transferred it to Visitor Center.
It was a very wonderful experience to visit the Grotto and the Garden. I suggest visiting it on spring when flowers start to bloom. It would be great to visit it too on Christmas season for the amazing Christmas Festival of Lights. I, myself wants to witness that one day maybe on my next visit.
Trivia: Did you know? In year 2008, severe weather with heavy freezing rain caused the Christmas festival's closure for nine nights before and after Christmas. As a result, tents collapsed and attendance fell below 30,000 for the first time in 18 years.
Location: 8840 NE Skidmore Street, Portland, Oregon 97220 (Main entrance is located at NE 85th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard)
Contact: 503-254-7371
Expenses: $6 (Elevator ride)
Guess where I got the song? Though I know I don't have the skill for video making but I hope you still like this one. Enjoy...
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