MARION—Church of the Infant Jesus Mission has a new place for people to pray and refresh their spirits.
On May 13, over 120 faithful assembled for the dedication of the Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Meditation Garden.
Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone concelebrated the Mass of Thanksgiving with Father Marcian Thet-Kyaw, administrator, before the dedication.
The bishop’s homily highlighted Mary’s example of unconditional surrender to God’s will.
“She calls each of us to imitate that one purpose, to say ‘Yes, Lord,’” Bishop Guglielmone said.
He led prayers, eucharistic adoration and invited attendees to consecrate their lives to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Father Thet-Kyaw said his vision for the garden was to promote Marian devotion.
“Mary wants us to know the message of Fatima,” he said. “It is my prayer that the meditation garden will bring our people closer to Mary as they consecrate themselves to her.”
The project was funded primarily by an anonymous donor who gave the church $35,000, and the parish community raised the rest. The garden’s focal point is a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which stands approximately 5 feet high. It was carved from a single block of white marble imported from Genoa, Italy.
Deacon Donald DeNitto said the stone was sent to China after it was purchased. There, the piece was hand-carved and took almost a year to complete and ship to Marion.
Church of the Infant Jesus was founded in 1967 and currently has 84 registered families.
“Our parish has gone through many changes, and now we have a wonderful pastor,” said Pat Lovendoski, parishioner and volunteer.
“It’s a time for our parish to encounter a spiritual renewal,” she added.