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| Bishop Robert C. Morlino speaks at the dedication of the Miracle of Life Garden in Pine Bluff on May 24, the Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians. (Catholic Herald photo/Kat Wagner) To see more pictures, click here. |
PINE BLUFF — An estimated 300 people gathered May 24, on the Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, as Bishop Robert C. Morlino dedicated the new Miracle of Life Rosary Garden here.
“It was one of those moments when, gathered around our bishop we love so much, we truly felt like a Catholic family,” said Fr. Richard Heilman, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Pine Bluff. “Our Catholic beauty and identity were celebrated, beginning with a procession of some 20 altar servers, the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, and about 50 Knights of Divine Mercy. The music was incredible as the Schola Cantorum of the Knights of Divine Mercy sang classic Latin pieces.
“And the dedication concluded with the youth releasing of a giant helium-balloon Rosary.,” he said. “Afterward, we all celebrated with a family-style potluck cookout. I knew an evening like this would leave indelible ‘Catholic’ mark, especially on the hearts of the youth gathered with us.”
The garden, presided over by Mary, Help of Christians, who stands on a flower-covered mound in the shape of her Immaculate Heart, honors children lost before birth. It is located, quite literally, beside the restful waters and verdant pastures of beautiful Pine Bluff, Wis. The sacred place was created to be a destination for solitude, prayer, and healing.