The seed for the creation of the Saint Francis Garden was planted sometime in the Fall of 1994. A small spontaneous group of parishioners gathered with our founding Pastor, Msgr. Edward Howley, following an Anniversary Memorial Mass in the Chapel. One member of the assemblage voiced a desire to have a dedicated outdoor place of prayer on the church grounds and others endorsed the idea. Two years passed and in the Spring of 1996 the seed sprouted, and the idea of a Prayer Garden situated behind the Pastoral Center (formerly the Convent) emerged. Two parishioners undertook the task of visiting and photographing other prayer and meditation gardens in the area, and it was decided to select St. Francis as the Patron Saint of the Garden. One of the several parishioners who volunteered was Patrick Minogue, a mason and landscaping professional. We engaged Pat Miller, a landscaping designer of Greenwich, and a preliminary design was developed. Mr. Minogue donated the beautiful Arbor Vitae trees that now ring the Garden. At the time of planting, the Arbor Vitae were no more than 5 – 6 feet in height, yet they now have tripled in size and contribute to making the area such a private, serene and prayerful place. Two parishioners donated the statue of Saint Francis and the stone patio and low sitting wall were constructed. The Saint Francis Garden was dedicated in October 1997 on the occasion of the Blessing of the Animals. Over the course of the last decade, many other projects have been undertaken in the Garden such as an enlargement of the original patio area, construction of the planting bed, design and construction of the Cross Garden, numerous trees and plantings, as well as the addition of teak garden furniture. Additionally, two weeping cherry trees were planted at the entry area with ilex bushes lining a flagstone walkway to the entry. An irrigation system was also installed. A key factor in the development of the Garden has been the need to install planting material that does not require costly maintenance. The Saint Francis Garden has been used and enjoyed by many groups. The STM Happiness Preschool and Religious Education classes have utilized the space, and it has been the setting for our annual Blessing of the Animals. The Garden is a place for private reflections, al fresco lunches and other informal gatherings. It is most especially a place in which to experience faith in a peaceful outdoor setting. If you have not had the opportunity to visit and enjoy the Saint Francis Garden, please make a note to put this on your agenda the next time you are here. We hope you will find it to be rewarding and inspirational. Two anonymous donors have aided the continued development of the Saint Francis Garden. |
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