Portland 2012: The Grotto
One of the most pleasant surprises that I had during the Portland trip is the discovery of The Grotto, also known as The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother. Again I have to thank dear hubby for understanding me so well as he made the suggestion for me to check it out.
I totally love this place and spent close to 4 hours here. At a sizable 62-acre, it consists of a huge shrine called the Our Lady’s Grotto, a rock cave carved into the base of a 110-foot cliff.
A life-size marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà is featured in its center. It's a magnificent sight to behold. Every year, The Grotto celebrates Christmas Festival of Lights where over 500,000 lights and 150 chorals performances are being held. This festival of lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world!
I took the opportunity to attend mass at the church before going up to the upper level that opens up to a lush, gorgeous and tranquil space. It is so peaceful and beautiful up there. I felt like I have been transported to another place.
There are fir trees, tons of colourful and blooming flowers of all sorts and many statues and structures that remind me to be prayerful. The only disappointment was the weather, it rained the whole time I was at the garden and that made it a little harder to fully savour the beautiful and tranquil environment. The 2+ hours I spent walking in the garden totally refreshed my mind and soul.
The beautiful Grotto.
A perspective of how large this grotto is. The garden it at the top of the cliff.
Close up of the Pietà
The church
Took the elevator to go to the upper level.
May peace prevail on earth.
A labyrinth
I totally love this place and spent close to 4 hours here. At a sizable 62-acre, it consists of a huge shrine called the Our Lady’s Grotto, a rock cave carved into the base of a 110-foot cliff.
A life-size marble replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà is featured in its center. It's a magnificent sight to behold. Every year, The Grotto celebrates Christmas Festival of Lights where over 500,000 lights and 150 chorals performances are being held. This festival of lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world!
I took the opportunity to attend mass at the church before going up to the upper level that opens up to a lush, gorgeous and tranquil space. It is so peaceful and beautiful up there. I felt like I have been transported to another place.
There are fir trees, tons of colourful and blooming flowers of all sorts and many statues and structures that remind me to be prayerful. The only disappointment was the weather, it rained the whole time I was at the garden and that made it a little harder to fully savour the beautiful and tranquil environment. The 2+ hours I spent walking in the garden totally refreshed my mind and soul.
The beautiful Grotto.
A perspective of how large this grotto is. The garden it at the top of the cliff.
Close up of the Pietà
The church
Took the elevator to go to the upper level.
May peace prevail on earth.
A labyrinth