ROCKFORD—On a warm, sunny autumn day, Nov. 4, the focal piece of a new prayer garden on the grounds of the Cathedral of St. Peter here moved into her new home. A bronze sculpture of Our Lady of Guadalupe was placed atop a stone pedestal within a circular garden.

 

In addition to the prayer garden, newly planted trees in memory of the eight deceased bishops of the Rockford Diocese surround the garden.

 

Dedication to be Nov. 21

 

A Mass and blessing of the prayer garden is set for Nov. 21, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary,  at a 7:30 a.m. Mass at the cathedral. A blessing in the garden will follow, weather permitting.

 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions Mass capacity is limited. People need to sign up at cathedralofstpeter.org. The Mass and blessing will be livestreamed on the diocesan Facebook page.

 

Arc Design and Stenstrom Construction have been working on the garden since early in the spring. Completing the garden has been delayed by COVID-19 and weather.

 

Workers from Blastcraft of Milwaukee delivered and installed the statue, which was made in Chicago by Inspired Artisans.

 

Watching the process were Father Stephen St. Jules, V.F., rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter, and Patrick Winn, head of Catholic Charities.