Hundreds of the faithful at St. Thomas More Parish in Sarasota gathered for the blessing and dedication of a renovated memorial garden and new prayer garden on May 27, 2026, following the 8 a.m. daily Mass.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane told the faithful that it is important to bless and dedicate such sacred spaces and to be “conscious of those who came before us, as they paved the way and give us strength that prepares the way for all of us to have a future encounter with Jesus Christ.”
Bishop Dewane celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass prior to the blessing and dedication. At the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Dewane, led everyone into the renovated Mary’s Memorial Garden, which is in a space adjacent to the Parish church. The new Gethsemane Prayer Garden was built in its own space to the north of Mary’s Memorial Garden.
Father Nick Thompson, St. Thomas More Administrator, said he was grateful to the parishioners for having such a strong spiritual connection to Mary’s Memorial Garden, and the openness to dedicate new space was a blessing.
“St. Thomas More’s Parish family is an extraordinary example of a community dedicated to its mission of keeping faith, love and ministry alive,” Father Thompson said. Father also credited the generosity of parishioners Al Pezzillo, Arthur and Dolores Holliday and Al Ferrigno.
Mary’s Memorial Garden, established in 1989 by the Parish’s first Pastor, Father Gene Ryan, was inspired by details recorded in the Gospel of John, has since become the final resting place for more than 600 individuals remembered in peace amid the garden’s beauty and honored by plaques along a garden wall. The garden has undergone a transformative renewal. There is now a fountain along one wall, and a beautiful mosaic, created by Mila Apperlo, which depicts the Risen Christ. The garden was also repainted, turf was installed to protect against wind and rain, and new plantings were added to enhance the space.
The Gethsemane Prayer Garden is a serene space inviting meditation on the Passion of Christ. It’s physical placement beside Mary’s Memorial Garden underscores the symbolic connection between Mary and Jesus. Fourteen Stations of the Cross, each containing an Italian hand-painted illustration encased within a wooden frame were crafted by parishioners and woodworker Al Ferrigno. While the gardens are accessible from the church, there is also access to the spaces from the parking lot.
A reception followed in the Parish Hall.
