Memorial garden a reflective place to gather, pause and pray

By Wendy Shaw

A new memorial garden has been described as a “beautiful and reflective” addition to St Patrick’s College, Launceston.

Meander Valley Parish Priest Fr Ben Brooks blessed and opened the memorial garden on 7 August. The college has described the area, next to St Patrick’s Chapel, as sacred space dedicated to staff, students and community members who have died.

It honours the College’s Catholic heritage and identity, and the roles of the Presentation Sisters, the Sisters of St Joseph, and the Christian Brothers in its establishment. The garden includes seven stone spheres each representing a holy sacrament, and a memorial plaque space.

Fr Brooks welcomed the tranquil new area of the College.

“The memorial garden is a beautiful and reflective addition to the College, highlighting the sanctity of the area around the chapel as a place for remembering those who have been part of the story of St Patrick’s,” he said.

“I hope the garden helps to keep alive the sense of tradition within the College, particularly in how this has been lived by others over the years, and that current staff and students will have a sense that they too are contributing to that tradition for the benefit of future generations.”

Fr Brooks also praised the thoughtful design elements of the space.

“The memorial garden beautifully incorporates symbols of the sacraments of the Church, which point to the wider Catholic tradition of memory and celebration within which St Patrick’s College belongs,” he said.

“It’s a reminder that the living tradition of the college and its people – past, present and future – are a vital part of the life of the worldwide Church itself.”

Construction began in early 2023, with garden elements added from December last year. A central feature is a sculpture entitled ‘Sister and Student’, representing the deep bond between education and faith, and symbolising the nurturing guidance of the Sisters who have dedicated their lives to teaching and mentoring young minds. The spheres and sculpture are water features, adding a sense of peace and timelessness to the garden.

It includes native and low-maintenance plants for year-round visual interest and offers all abilities access.

College principal Liz Illingworth said the new garden is a prominent and special place where the college community can gather, pause, and remember.

“It is a space for reflection and peace,” she said.

“Our memorial garden is a place where individuals can come to remember, to pray and to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.

“We are grateful to all who have been involved in this project and know that this space is a welcome and needed space in our community.”