Sisters of Providence donate garden in honor of service
Date: 7/26/2013
By Lori Szepelak
lori@thereminder.comHOLYOKE – The Sisters of Providence donated a new garden space to the community for contemplation and renewal on July 15, during a dedication and blessing ceremony led by Sister Elizabeth Oleksak.
“Contemplative space invites our senses to observe,” Oleksak said, with the Connecticut River as a dramatic backdrop.
The Sisters of Providence donated the space in honor of the ongoing celebration of their 140-year presence in Holyoke.
Sister Kathleen Popko, president, spoke at length with
Reminder Publications about the 26-acre parcel of land known as the Land of Providence, which was gifted to the Trustees of Reservations in 2009 through a land trust.
“This property, across from Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, is situated along the Connecticut River, a lovely place to view the river and the wonderful habitat for birds and other animals,” Popko said.
Nuestras Raices, a community organization, uses much of the land for farming by residents of the Hispanic community in the city, according to Popko.
The contemplative space, which features native plantings, provides areas for private meditation or group activities.
Popko noted that during the past 20 years, the Sisters have focused on three priority directions – women, the Earth and those who are poor.
“In honor of our anniversary, we decided to fund initiatives in these three areas,” Popko said. “For Earth, we chose to support the creation of a contemplative garden.”
Popko said she hopes the new space “will encourage many to stop by, to rest awhile, to pause to enjoy the beauty of our Earth and specifically, the Connecticut River and the lovely gardens that will grace this place.”
The site also provides close access to and a panoramic view of the river as well as a quiet space to be in touch with creation and with one’s self, according to Popko.
“The surrounding tilled soil, flourishing farmland, and the chirping birds create an environment conducive to reflection on beauty and richness of Earth and our responsibility to cherish and protect our planet,” she said.
Kate Preissler, engagement manager for The Trustees, echoed those sentiments.
“As the trees and other plantings grow up over the next several years, the space will become a shady sanctuary for individuals along the river,” Preissler said. “The area has also been used in the past for group activities like yoga and our designer made sure to incorporate space here for its continued use as an area for communal activities that support healthy minds and bodies.”
The Sisters of Providence Health System was also thanked during the program for its additional gift of support to the garden.
The trustees privately hold in trust and care for properties, or “reservations,” of scenic, cultural, and natural significance for the public to enjoy. To find out more or to become a member or volunteer, visit
www.thetrustees.org.
