Mary’s Peace Garden opens at Prince of Peace Parish in Ormond Beach
Bishop John Noonan greeted the congregation at Prince of Peace Parish on March 15, celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation and blessing Mary’s Peace Garden as part of the parish’s 60th anniversary events.
The occasion marked both a milestone for the parish and the unveiling of a new garden space designed to foster reflection and community gatherings. The garden project, which took nearly three years to complete, was developed with significant input from members of the Vietnamese community at Prince of Peace.
Bishop Noonan told attendees, “This parish was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ for 60 years. I pray that you continue to live the gospel, but to live the gospel through the lives of each and every one of you.”
Parishioner Dominico Bui led efforts to redesign what was once a small Marian garden into a larger space featuring all 14 Stations of the Cross made from natural stone imported from Vietnam. The new area includes benches, improved lighting, landscaping, and a five-foot white marble statue of the Virgin Mary from Italy. Bui said he hopes people will use it as a place for prayer and reflection: “People can come and pray and reflect themselves.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included Bishop Noonan, Sister Rose Urbanczyk, Father Andrew Chien Van Nguyen, and performances by women from the Vietnamese community. A video message from Pastor Justin Vakko thanked parishioners for their service: “We are grateful for our beautiful Stations of the Cross and the stunning Marian statute, that inspires devotion and draws us closer to our Blessed Mother.”
Carmen O’Reilly, secretary at Prince of Peace, said she expects many parishioners will enjoy using Mary’s Peace Garden for future events such as Stations of the Cross during Lent and Crowning of Mary on Mother’s Day weekend. She added that volunteer support was crucial: “It has brought us all a lot closer… We have so many volunteers… whether those who contributed financially to those who shared in the work that they did.” O’Reilly also reflected on strengthened relationships within the parish: “I think Mary brought us all closer together.”
The Diocese of Orlando was established in 1968 and is home to 79 parishes, 11 missions, two basilicas, and 43 Catholic schools. The diocese is currently led by Bishop John Noonan and covers Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia Counties according to the Diocese.
Looking ahead, parish leaders plan to make full use of Mary’s Peace Garden for spiritual activities throughout the year.
