The National Sanctuary of our Sorrowful Mother, popularly known as The Grotto, is a Roman Catholic outdoor shrine and sanctuary located in the Madison South district of Portland, Oregon, United States. Constructed in 1924, the sanctuary covers 62 acres (25 ha), and is set both at the foot of and on top of a 110-foot cliff.
A large meditation hall whose main chamber is at clifftop level extends down to the foot of the cliff; the cross on the hall is visible many miles away. In addition to a church, there are several thousand feet of trails, including a trail of the Stations of the Cross, along which the faithful may pass in contemplation through botanical gardens.
The Grotto also features a full-service Conference Center, and a Gift Shop.
The Grotto was established in 1924 by Friar Ambrose Mayer, a native of Ontario, Canada, who was sent to the United States where he was a Servite pastor for the Archdiosese of Portland, Oregon. Upon moving to Portland, Mayer found acreage located outside Northeast Portland that was at the time owned by the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and had been put up for sale to be developed into residential property. Mayer made a downpayment of $3,000 and purchased the property in 1923.
The Grotto is the sixth solo album released by Kristin Hersh. It was released on 17 March 2003 on 4AD records, simultaneously with the Throwing Muses (2003) record. It features Howe Gelb on piano and Andrew Bird on violin. Kristin Hersh produced the album as well as playing all other instruments. The album peaked at #39 on the US's Billboard Top Independent Albums Chart.
We used to say that dreams could be so true
Where am I? What will I be?
It's my dream which I could share with you;
A new day for you and me
Just a smile with warmth in my heart
And go all the way,
There's so much in life
And I'll sing
This is my dream, I want to make it really happen
And make my dream come true!
This is my dream, I'll make it if I just believe it;
In a fairytale I'll live it
Just like a new born star!
Fly above like a seagull on the waves
And the sun will shine upon your face,
Just believe, follow your heart and make it happen,
Grow much brighter
And we'll say
This is my dream, I want to make it really happen
And make my dream come true!
This is my dream, I'll make it if I just believe it;
There is nothing that could stop me
I just want the world to know
This is my dream!
And I know that I'll be strong,
It will come true
Because I know I'll make it happen