The Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample, Bishop of the Marquette Diocese, was in Escanaba on October 21 to bless and dedicate the new serenity garden at OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group. Also in attendance were Sisters of The Third Order of St. Francis, who traveled from Peoria, Illinois, for the occasion, as well as members of the community and OSF St. Francis employees who were involved in the project.

Located outside the Chapel near the Hospital front entrance, the garden is designed to follow the Stations of the Cross, with a concrete walkway and benches throughout. It features flower gardens, shrubs and vanishing waterfalls, as well as paver bricked areas with bricks purchased in memory or in honor of loved ones. The garden offers a peaceful environment where patients, families and visitors may find refuge from situational or everyday stresses.

The project began earlier this spring with a $5,000 gift to the OSF St. Francis Foundation from the estate of Marge and Josephine Sayklly, along with a $5,000 donation by OSF employees as part of the annual OSF St. Francis Foundation Employee Campaign. Additionally, a gift of $14,700 was given by an anonymous donor for the Stations of the Cross, which were crafted in black granite with diamond etching.

The garden was designed by members of the Master Gardeners Association of Delta County and OSF employees, who also pledged their support in planting shrubs and flowers and maintaining the garden. Local Boy Scouts contributed their time and talents toward Eagle Scout projects and local individuals and businesses have donated time and equipment to assist with excavating and planting.

From its inception, the garden has been a community project, intended to be a special place that everyone can enjoy and feel blessed by the support of so many who were involved.