Sister Helen Owens and Sister Marianne Heib, both integral to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Wellness center in Collingswood, NJ, contacted us for a consult on a Healing Garden at their facility on Haddon Ave. The Franciscan Sisters related their long time vision of creating a garden based on St. Francis of Assisi's "canticle of the Creatures", a poem praising God's earthly, celestial, and spiritual blessings given to mankind. They felt comfortable and hopeful after meeting with designer Matthew Cosenza, who relates his experience...

"...they were so awesome and inspired about this project. I felt it instantly. The Sisters had so much optimism, enthusiasm, and ultimately, trust in our ability to make their beautiful vision happen. I placed myself in that garden for weeks, emotionally and mentally, during the design…I thank God all the time for that opportunity to build something so wonderful. I go as often as I can to read the reflection journal at the property. You realize that some things you do can mean so much to people "

The Garden, now open to everyone, features spaces reflective of the elements in St Francis' prayer. Sun , Water, Wind, Earth, Moon and Stars, Fire , are symbolized with sculpture, plantings, and fountains. Ultimately a sparse, private boulder strewn area called "Pardon and Peace" slows the visitor enough to reflect on our humanity, and the need to forgive and be forgiven. Teak and stone benches, boulders, and paths lead visitors from "room to room" and beckon them to rest, reflect, and recharge anytime, day or night.

Please visit the Garden soon at 1049 Haddon Ave, Collingswood, and enjoy! Check out the links below for more info on Lourdes Wellness Center, and enjoy the photo journal of the project.