Visiting the Grotto

If you haven't visited the Grotto in northeast Portland, Oregon it is well worth your time this Advent Season--or anytime, for that matter.  After Thanksgiving, a magical transformation takes place throughout the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother.  While it's always a place of beauty, peace, and spiritual meaning, the 500,000 sparkling Christmas lights and more than a hundred choirs make this an event like none other.  For us, it doesn't feel like Christmas unless we've made this annual visit.  It reminds us of the simple joy and hope which are at the heart of the season.  I hope you can drop by.  


I put together a very short video of our Christmas visits over the past few years.  It gives you a little inkling of what it's like--minus the Ericksons and friends unless you have really good coffee.


A few of my other Grotto photos are shared below.  Hope you enjoy!


(Special thanks to the Franklin High School Concert Choir for the video's background music.)