Memory Garden…to pray, to meditate, to reflect, to remember

Remember me.
It’s one of the most important things we do, keeping the memory of the people we love; and St. Anthony of Padua parish is giving you a place to do just that.

The Memory Garden celebrates the Italian heritage of the people of south Rockford and the parishioners of St. Anthony. This living memorial for your loved ones is on the south side of the church, where the school and gym used to be, in the grassy area around the religious education building. The Memory Garden was professionally planned and landscaped with trees, shrubs, benches, a fountain, a serpentine pathway and an arched entranceway.

A quietude and peacefulness envelops you as you enter the garden. Walking through the welcoming “arms” of the arched entranceway, the beautiful bronze statue of Saint Anthony holding the baby Jesus, immediately catches your attention. The lifelike details of the patron saint and baby remain the focal point of the garden. Life size bronze statues of children are poised throughout the garden. Each statue, a memorial gift to the garden, captures the natural innocence and remarkable spirit of children. All of the children are facing the statue of Saint Anthony. These bronze statues represent the children that went to school and played here in years gone by.

The Franciscan friars would like you to be a part of this garden. Decorative bricks that line the walkways can be engraved. A brick can be engraved as a memorial of a deceased loved one, for a special intention, or to recognize someone or something important in your life. If you have found St. Anthony of Padua Parish to be a special place in your own spiritual walk, please consider being a part of our Memory Garden. The Friars and people of St. Anthony of Padua thank you for your generosity!

How to purchase a brick:

1) Click here to print the purchase form
2) Fax us at 1-815-968-2798 or
    Mail the form to St. Anthony Church

   St. Anthony of Padua
   1010 Ferguson Street
   Rockford, IL 61102

or

Fill out our online form: Click Here