Visit
8840 NE Skidmore StPortland, OR 97220Mass: Sunday 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. (Sunday Mass)
When to go
Mass times
- Sunday8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m. · Sunday Mass
- Monday-Saturday12 p.m. · Daily Mass
- 2nd and 4th Sundays2 p.m. · Spanish Mass
- 1st and 3rd Sundays2 p.m. · Filipino Mass
- First Saturday of the month12 p.m. · St. Peregrine Mass
About
Summary
The Grotto, also known as the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, is a 54-acre Catholic shrine and botanical garden in Portland, Oregon. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., it offers multiple daily Masses, including Spanish and Filipino-language services, and hosts the Rosary 30 minutes before each Mass. The site features serene gardens, a gift shop, the Chapel of Mary, and statues and monuments for all beliefs, with admission re
Details
The Grotto, or the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, is a 54-acre Catholic shrine and botanical garden located in Portland, Oregon. It serves as a place of worship, reflection, and community gathering, welcoming over 300,000 visitors annually. The site is dedicated to the Servite Order and features a historic chapel, tranquil gardens, and a gift shop. Mass is celebrated daily at 12 p.m., with additional Sunday Masses at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 p.m. Special Masses include Spanish-language services on the 2nd and 4th Sundays and Filipino-language services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. The Rosary is recited daily 30 minutes before each Mass, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
The Grotto’s grounds include the Chapel of Mary, the Upper Gardens (which require admission), and the Plaza Level, all designed to provide a peaceful environment for visitors. The gift shop offers religious items such as medallions, holy water, and coins, as noted by visitors. The site also hosts weddings and events, and its serene atmosphere makes it a popular destination for pilgrimages and field trips. Admission to the Upper Gardens is required, while the lower level is free during daytime hours. The Grotto is open year-round, with extended hours during the Christmas season for the Festival of Lights. Mass Schedule and Visit Us for more information.
From Faith Near Me
The Grotto in Portland offers a peaceful blend of worship and reflection with daily Masses, multilingual services, and serene gardens. First-time visitors will notice the welcoming Rosary sessions before Mass and the tranquil atmosphere, making it a cherished spiritual retreat for diverse communities.
Pros
- Daily Masses with Spanish and Filipino language options
- Serene botanical gardens and Chapel of Mary for reflection
- Gift shop offering religious items like medallions and holy water
- Year-round accessibility with extended hours during Christmas
- Structured Rosary sessions before each Mass
- Hosts weddings and community events in a peaceful setting
Cons
- Limited parking may require alternative transportation
- Upper Gardens require admission for full access
- Specific Mass schedules may necessitate advance planning
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Zoe Diaries5 months ago
We always have a wonderful time here. Make sure to buy the medallions—they’re only about two or three dollars each. They’re perfect for jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, or even keychains. We bought several to give to family and friends. They also offer religious coins. Don’t forget to purchase the holy water and the holy oil from St. Peregrine. The entire place is so solemn and peaceful—perfect for reflection. They also have the Stations of the Cross. We didn’t go up to the upper levels because you need to buy tickets for that, but the Grotto of the Sorrowful Mother is on the ground level, and that experience alone was enough for us. It reminded us of the Lady of Lourdes. This 102‑year‑old sanctuary is truly a must‑visit when you’re exploring Oregon. We traveled from the Seattle area, and the three‑hour drive made for meaningful family reflection. Every December, they host a Light Show/Festival of Lights, and the whole place is beautifully decorated. The church inside is stunning. Be sure to stop by the visitor center next to the church—it’s like a small museum filled with the site’s history. You can even write and drop your petitions there. A truly unforgettable place to visit.
- Marcos Ra month ago
Fantastic place to come and enjoy some scenery! If you have religious family members, they have statues and monuments for all beliefs. It’s a fantastic beautiful walk, the extra fee is worth it for those looking to take someone on a first date who has not visited or someone trying to put in the effort. Definitely worth it. They have mass on various days for those who want to visit and enjoy. Well taken care of are and worth the visit for those in Oregon for the first time!
- K G5 months ago
This place is beautiful. There is a public part that is free and there is a section of the park that you have to pay to access. Often times there is a wedding taking place inside the church when visiting. It is very peaceful here. The parking lot is extremely small, almost impossible to find parking. I saw a lot of people park across the intersection and walk here.
Services and facilities
Facilities
- Chapel Of Mary
- Upper Gardens
- Plaza Level
- Gift Shop
- Stations Of The Cross
- Limited Parking
Events and programs
Wedding Ceremonies
Wedding ceremonies often take place inside the church.
Connect
- Contact page
- Open contact page