This beautiful 62 acre Catholic Shrine and botanical garden is located in Portland, Oregon. The Grotto (as it is commonly called) is a non-profit Oregon corporation, supported solely by the proceeds of its gift shop and by donations. It is administered by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary. In the early years the Servite community lived in a house off the property on Beech Street, but in 1935 the foundation was laid for a permanent dwelling on the upper level grounds. The monastery was completed in 1936 and at times was the home of up to twelve priests and brothers. At present there are four priests and three brothers in residence. The monastery was condemned by the fire department in 1985 and the community had to move out while the entire structure was torn apart and rebuilt to modern specifications. It was a fortuitous move because it became possible to re-think the old concept of cells and update to one- and two-room suites complete with private bathrooms! Through the generous contributions of many Oregonians and others, the monastery was re-opened and is now a comfortable, functional home for the friars. In 1990 a convent was built behind the monastery to house the four Sisters Oblates of St. Martha who came from Saltillo, Mexico, to follow their ministry of service to God and His clergy by taking on the household and sacristy apostolates to the monastery, the Chapel of Mary, and the administrative offices. Prior to the arrival of these Sisters, a branch of the Servite Sisters (Missionaries of Our Sorrowful Mother) from Juarez, Mexico, had served for twenty-five years in the same capacity, but they were recalled for work in their own apostolates to the sick and elderly in Mexico.