A place for Prayer and Meditation.
The community have most likely heard the buzz regarding the St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Prayer and Meditation Garden being built at Marywood in Grand Rapids. This garden will be a beautiful stroll for all to enjoy. The highlight of the garden will be 24 bronze statues placed strategically along the pathway with storyboards on the life of St. Francis of Assisi at each station. There will also be benches placed along the path, where you can sit in solitude. A grotto with the deathbed scene of Francis surrounded with his friends will be constructed as well.
Originally, 16 of the bronze statues sculpted by artist Mic Carlson were exhibited during the month of September through October 2004, during the feast of St. Francis at the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, Italy. Mic was the first American artist to be invited to exhibit the bronze by the head of the Basilica, Padre Vincenzo Coli. Over 30,000 people from all walks of life from around the world enjoyed the presentation. The Assisi experience was one Mic wanted to continue in his hometown of Grand Rapids. Pilgrims in Assisi stood in awe as they touched the statues, read the storyboards, smiled, cried and prayed. It was an incredible journey that must be shared.
This garden will be one of a kind when completed. The building of the garden relies on donations. There are different levels you can memorialize a family member or friend by placing their name on a bronze statue a garden bench, chapel bench, or a brick. If you know of anybody that would be interested in donating to this wonderful garden, please contact a staff member of Instruments of Hope at 616-862-1865 or Mic Carlson 616-443-0376.
