TEMECULA—Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School opened a Rosary Garden this month, giving the community a reverent place to pray in solidarity with and for one another.
The Rosary Garden, which was landscaped to replicate a rosary, was recently blessed by Father Anthony Dao.
“Having a Rosary Garden here at our school is a wonderful blessing,” said Sister Ernestine Velarde, President of Saint Jeanne’s. “We are incredibly grateful to have the garden come to light during a year which has been so hard for many in the community.”
The Rosary Garden is a place to pray and feel the blessings of Jesus through the intersession of Our Lady for the entire community. Donated by a member of the Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School community, the garden serves as a reminder of the spirit of God and the power of prayer. Families are invited to the Rosary Garden to pray, feel God’s presence, and confide in the love of Our Mother, Mary.
Riverside County is currently in the purple tier for the COVID-19 restrictions, which means that indoor worship is not permitted. However, the Saint Jeanne’s community has embraced this change and continues reverent prayer in outside spaces throughout the 17-acre campus. The Rosary Garden is the newest addition to the campus and has given the community an even greater opportunity to continue their spiritual formation and time for reflection.
Lincoln Nguyen, Saint Jeanne’s Campus Minister, said, “At Saint Jeanne’s we practice solidarity, and we aim to educate with Gospel values,” says Lincoln Nguyen, Saint Jeanne’s Campus Minister. “We educate the students that wearing a mask and holding prayer services outside is caring for those who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Our Rosary Garden has afforded us a place for the community to pray on these topics and seek guidance from the Lord.”