On Sunday, Sept. 15, Portland’s National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, known as The Grotto, will mark its 100th anniversary with a series of events, including a celebratory Mass, free admission to the Upper Gardens, and the unveiling of a new Interpretive Center. “What we hope to do with the interpretive center is bring greater awareness to the important role that grotto plays within the community,” said Chris Blanchard, executive director of The Grotto. Founded in 1924 by Father Ambrose Mayer, The Grotto was inspired by a personal vow Father Mayer made as a child after his mother’s recovery from illness. Mayer envisioned the sanctuary as a place of healing and peace, a promise he fulfilled after purchasing 54 acres of land at the base of Rocky Butte in Northeast Portland. Read more at the link in our bio. 📸: mark_w_graves #thegrotto #portland #portlandoregon #oregon #theoregonian