On Thursday, 16th October, the community of Saint Mary’s School in Carterton had a very special whole school Mass to bless the new Mary Garden that we have created at school. This garden is now the home to the statue of Our Lady that came from France and stood at the top of St Mary’s Church in Carterton before it was sold and deconsecrated in 2022.
The Mary Garden features the statue under an archway that has been planted with jasmine. There are two Mary roses, sunflowers, and friends and whānau of St Mary’s School have painted rocks that have been secured as part of the garden too. We are excited to see the plants thrive and grow in the next few years.
The Mass was held in the quad area, with Father Matthew White and Father Pene. At the conclusion of the Mass, the parishioners, school staff, and students went to the garden where Father Matt blessed the space, and the senior students led the school waiata-haka “Tenei Matou” to thank all those involved in the creation of this garden. The students and staff of St Mary’s are honoured to be the kaitiaki of this very special statue.
(text: Principal Karen Goodall)
