A newly-designed fountain honors Mother Saint John Fontbonne, who refounded the Congregation after the French Revolution.
On Sunday, April 13th, more than one hundred Sisters of Saint Joseph, SSJ Associates, family members and friends gathered for the Dedication of the Restoration of Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery and Memorial Gardens.
"As part of the 150th Anniversary of our arrival at Chestnut Hill," said Sister Anne Myers, "we come to this sacred space to express our appreciation for our sisters who have shown us the way, through their faithful living of our mission of union with God and others, through their zeal and love. Pointing to a phrase from the Constitutions of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Anne said, “Mindful of our union in the Communion of Saints, we hold our deceased sisters in continual prayer with gratitude for their lives which have nurtured our charism.”
Sister Anne Myers, who oversaw the restoration from dream to completion, thanked all those whose love, vision, generosity, skill, and enthusiasm brought the restoration to fulfillment. She invited all to "come often to this sacred space" to appreciate the beauty of the cemetery and spend quiet moments in prayer and reflection. Anne encouraged prayer to our beloved sisters, who are part of the Community of Saints.
A statue of Saint Joseph stands at the far end of the cemetery. All headstones have been cleaned and realigned. Benches await visitors. Trees blossom by the walkways. Beauty abounds. |
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Rev. Robert L. Bazzoli, OSFS and Deacon Greg Schneider blessed the fountain. Engraved around the fountain is an invitation taken from a letter of Mother Saint John Fontbonne: Pour into the heart of a mother who loves you tenderly, your sorrows, your cares, and your joys.
Following the blessing of the waters of the fountain, members of the General Council, Father Bob and Deacon Greg walked all the paths of the cemetery, blessing all graves and all present. The names of all Sisters of Saint Joseph buried at Mount Saint Joseph Cemetery were spoken during a Prayer of Intercessions.
Following the Dedication Service, Mr. and Mrs. John Cox, Sister Anne Myers, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lafferty rejoice in all that has been accomplished.
Landscapers John and Cynthia are pleased with the design of the memorial gardens. Mr. Lafferty faithfully maintains the grounds.
For a complete copy of Anne's text, click here: |
