As we move from the Garden of Living Water, introduced in last week’s article, we enter the Garden of Creation. This garden serves as a transition between the secular world and the sacred world. In this Garden, viewers are invited to quiet their hearts and minds. This Garden will give the impression of journeying through a forest with references to old growth virgin forests and to new growth. Given the context of the 21 ^st century, the garden explores the relationship between spirituality and environmental stewardship. Bronze may be used as a material to suggest the paradoxical nature of our changing landscapes in its fragility and permanence.
While advancing along the walkway, entering the Garden of Mission, there is the opportunity in this garden to pay tribute to the good works of the religious orders, other organizations and those that were members of the clergy that significantly advanced Catholic principles through the use of icons, such as statues, sculptures, plaques and other icons. These icons are intended to be true to ‘the Gathering Place’ concepts, provide an over-all story and provide interesting individual stories in religious history and/or tradition. There will be a tribute to Catholic religious orders and organizations that have significantly enhanced our community, such as: the Jesuits in pioneering our faith; the Sisters of St Joseph in educating our youth; the Grey Sisters in caring for our sick; and the Daughters of Wisdom providing education to the Francophone community; the Basilian Fathers who initiated Catholic secondary school system; and the Stigmatines who worked tirelessly with our immigrant peoples. In addition, the good works of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Women’s League will be recognized.
All Catholics are reminded that we can only move forward with active participation. The latest fundraisers are the Gala on December 12 (for tickets contact Linda Simonini @ 705-945-7038) and ‘the Journey’ Lottery drawing for total prizes of $49,000 - $1000 per week commencing January 25 (to assist in selling tickets – contact John Nesom @ 705- 575-4141).