Prayer Garden Is Dedicated
Florence Schmitt’s brother, Randy, died suddenly a little over a year ago. When she heard about the prayer garden that was being developed at St. Mary’s Medical Center Campus in Evansville, she knew she wanted his name to be a part of it.
She and her husband, John Ward, donated money to have a stone etched with Randy’s name, his date of birth and his date of death, and it was placed in the garden along with 135 other stones dedicated to loved ones.
On Aug. 3, numerous Daughters of Charity, family members and hospital staff gathered for a blessing and dedication of the garden.
Bishop Charles C. Thompson said, “We gather here today for the blessing of this beautiful prayer garden dedicated to the Daughters of Charity who established St. Mary’s health ministry in Evansville in 1872.
“We thank God for the healing ministry which these Sisters began and have entrusted to all who continue the call the care to our sisters and brothers who are ill, injured and in need of our reverence and compassion each day.”
He added, “May the work that the Lord has begun through the ministry of these Sisters and those who have served with them for over 143 years continue to give glory and praise to God.”
Randy’s wife, Linda, attended the dedication. She said she finds “peace and joy” when she visits the garden. “I feel it’s an honor to have his name here.” She said she hopes people will to come to the garden and sit and pray.
