The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Canticle of Praise/Prayer Garden

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Canticle of Praise Prayer Garden, Lourdes College

Canticle of Praise Prayer Garden (stone steps), Lourdes College

Canticle of Praise Prayer Garden (crucifix), Lourdes College

Institution Name: Lourdes College
Original/Historic Place Name: Ravine
Location on Campus: 6832 Convent Blvd.
Date(s) of Construction:

1975	original construction Stinson, Sister M. Jeremias

Designer: Sister M. Jeremias Stinson
Type of Place: Landscape site
Style: (Glossary)
Significance: culture, history, landscape, religion
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Function:

1975-present (2006)

outdoor space (site for prayer and reflection)

Narrative:
Our Franciscan spirituality underscores a need for balance. The need for maintaining and developing some areas for quiet prayer and reflection became essential as the religious congregation responded to changes in the world and in the church. Sister Jeremias Stinson designed and directed the creation of this space. Dead trees were removed, appropriate foliage and flowers were planted, and small shrines were erected to complement the natural landscape. The wood from Black Locust trees was used by Sister Jeremias Stinson, Sister Grace Ellen Urban, and Marcia Malys to create a large crucifix that marks the path leading to the garden.

The 89 acres belonging to the Sisters of St Francis became the home of several of its sponsored ministries. Their growth and the congregation's involvement in civic and church circles continues to welcome more people to the campus as a source of cultural, spiritual, and intellectual development.

References:

Klewicki, Mary Dunstan. Ventures For The Lord: The History of the Sylvania Franciscans. Sylvania, OH: Sisters of St. Francis, 1990.

Lesiak, Michaeline. Art Catalogue: Narrative in the Duns Scotus Library. Sylvania, OH: Sisters of St. Francis, 1986.

Warpeha, M. Justinian. Of Evergreens Rooted In Yellow Sand, a Profile of Venerable Mother M. Adelaide, Foundress of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. Sylvania, OH: Sisters of St. Francis, 1967.