From top left: Babe’s Rosary Garden marker, John sharing his family’s story, Father Mike sharing his ministry, Forgiving Child statue
“You’re in God’s Country now!” was heard many times during the Young at Heart ministry’s October excursion. Led by parishioner and Finance Council member John Canuso, nearly 30 members boarded a bus on a crisp autumn morning. We ventured to Hammonton, NJ, home of Discovery Ministries and the beautiful Rosary Garden, known as Babe’s Garden.
As the project manager for our patio and front entrance accessibility project, John has become a familiar face in the parish office. During one of his visits, he shared a special part of his life with our staff, and we knew immediately that we had to bring this experience to the Young at Heart community.
Discover Ministries was founded in 1974 with the mission “to provide retreats in an atmosphere of love and acceptance where participants can experience God’s healing and discover Christ within themselves.” The vision of this ministry under the guidance of Msgr. Mike Mannion, S.T.L., M.A., spiritual director and lovingly known as Father Mike, is to strengthen family bonds and encourage service within the Church. The Rosary Garden, named in memory of Joan and John’s daughter, Joan “Babe”, includes Stations of the Cross and a statuary with meditation areas.
Father Mike guided us through our walking tour of the garden, sharing with us each statue’s story and symbolism. During this Respect Life month, we were especially moved by the statue of a grieving mother welcomed by her aborted child, who extends a hand of forgiveness, a reminder of God’s mercy. Many of the statues, benches, and prayer spaces have been generously donated by local families, making the garden a living testament of faith and love.
We gathered in the Discovery House kitchen to share lunch before departing for the day. On our way home, Patricia Durkin, from our Rosary Ministry, led us in praying the Rosary together.
The Young at Heart ministry offers special thanks to Jannet Zanger for her many years of dedicated leadership and to Mary Ann Clayton, who is serving as interim ministry lead. Contact Cheryl Judge in the office to learn more about becoming our next ministry lead.
Our next Young at Heart gathering is on Thursday, November 13, at 12:00 PM in Morgan Hall, with guest presenter Sr. Kathy Burton, SSJ. Call the office to register!