An article about the Mary Garden in the Flint Journal (May 2, 2010) brought a number of volunteers, gardeners and friends to our project. One of those friends is a former student at St. Michael High School. She felt moved to reach out to her fellow alumni in the open letter below:
Are You in This Picture?
This photograph was taken on the campus of Saint Michael Catholic High School in downtown Flint, Michigan, in the fall of 1968. It shows that year’s student body in prayer to our Blessed Mother, in what is traditionally know as Mary’s Garden. The garden was located next to the convent of the Sister, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The sisters were our teachers and our religious example of humility, and a life of sacrifice for Christ. Recently an article appeared in the Flint Journal’s Today Section, titled “Project Peace Garden” describing efforts and asking for help in restoring and rededicating Mary’s Garden after years of neglect. It is hoped that the restoration can be completed, and the garden re-dedicated, by the anniversary of the original dedication ceremony that took place on June 9, 1955. The day the article appeared in The Journal, May 2, seemed very appropriate since it is most likely the anniversary of many a “May Crowning,” a traditional Catholic School event that takes place every spring to honor Mary, queen of heaven and earth.
Many people today have a misconception of Catholic devotion to the Blessed Mother of our savior. Some of Jesus’ last words as He hung on the cross were to, and about His Mother. It was His dying wish that she be a mother to all His followers, and that she be cared for and loved by us, for Him. Jesus gave her to us as a great intercessor, someone who could carry our needs to the throne of God. Someone we could talk to in prayer, much like our own mothers here on earth. She has appeared on earth many times and given us the Rosary, as a means of petition, through her, to her Son.
Our prayers in Mary’s Garden during our teenage years were much different than our petitions to Mary today, in our fifties, sixties and beyond. Back then we asked in prayer, for a big win for St. Mike’s basketball team in a championship game, or the memory of important dates for a history final exam. Today, our prayers may be a whispered Hail Mary in the waiting or emergency room of a hospital, for a parent, or good news of the results of a medical procedure or test for our husband or wife. And always there were prayers of thanksgiving in Mary’s Garden, for prayers heard, and favors received in Jesus’ name.
The Flint we remember from our past is now only history, as with all things, changed with time. The stores of downtown, the popular hangouts, the huge crowds of shoppers before Christmas – all gone. But Mary is still there. Still in the garden, waiting for her children, still there to reflect the quiet, calm peace and love of God to all who still pass by.
Our beloved school is still being put to good use. It is now a school of choice, and once again the halls and stairways are filled with the voices of teachers’ instruction, and the chatter and laughter of students. The sisters’ convent now houses Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, formerly known as Catholic Social Services. This organization helps thousands of needy children and their families, regardless of their beliefs. So, Mary’s Garden is passed by many times a day, by the employees, clients, teachers and students, as well as the children and people of the neighborhood. Even the homeless find some kind of comfort there, with a lady they know little or nothing about. They know only that there is a sense of peace in that place, apart from the world, the peace of God, through Mary.
Many of us have moved far away from our child hood homes, and some, like myself, live not so far from our old school. Some of us live our everyday lives in or near areas of lush green lawns and neighborhoods, or beautifully manicured golf courses and parks. Doesn’t Mary’s Garden deserve the same care and attention to her little corner of the world? We can show our gratitude now just as did back then, for her love and concern for our well being and those we now love.
If you can help with this project, financial support is needed for masonry repairs, stamped concrete, tree removal and materials such as flowers, shrubs, grass, mulch and benches. The statue of Mary has been sent for repairs and is covered with many coats of paints. A new statue could be purchased with enough donations. Even five dollars in an envelope would help if enough of us came through with good old fashioned St. Mike’s solidarity. We could make a difference for future generations to receive God’s blessings, as we did in Mary’s Garden. She has never forgotten us. Remember the last line of our school anthem, Archangel Michael? Our Mother Mary is also a “…great patron and friend,” who sits in heavenly places, and our world today needs more heavenly places like Mary’s Garden.
Written by Trudy Swihart, a member of the last great class of St. Michael High School, 1970
2012 Mary Garden
events include
...May Crowning
...Celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of
Watch this space for details.