THE ANGELA WARNER CHILDREN’S MEMORIAL AND PRAYER GARDEN

A special place for bereaved families…
My dream for the Angela Warner Children’s Memorial and Prayer Garden began and grew during my frequent visits to the chapel mausoleum at Gethsemane Cemetery during the first year or two after my daughter’s death.

The afternoon sun shines brightly on Angela’s photograph and a flower arrangement that adorns the front of her crypt on the west end of the chapel. Just outside the nearby large glass door was a grove of pine trees with open acreage beyond. An idea came to me that those pine trees would make a beautiful setting for a children’s memorial for all those who have experienced the devastating loss of a child. Such a garden could also be a marvelous place to memorialize the beauty, courage, and spirit of Angela.

I envisioned a welcoming environment of peace and tranquility that would be available for any parent or family member who knows the enormous loss of a precious child. I wanted this to be a personal place with a timeless quality so that visitors of all faiths, now and in years to come, can continue to feel comfort and peace.

Early in 2005 I shared my idea and my goals with John Cherek, director of The Catholic Cemeteries for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Three years later, The Angela Warner Children’s Memorial and Prayer Garden was ready for dedication by Bishop Richard Pates, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese, on Memorial Day, 2008.

My wife, Linda, and I thank John Cherek and Dave Kemp of The Catholic Cemeteries, Fr. James Notebaart, Cold Spring Granite, Italian sculptor Guido Mariani, and the many others who contributed their time, talent, and labor to the successful completion and reality of this timeless place.

Linda and I invite you to come and share the beauty and tranquility of the children’s memorial and prayer garden. We wish you peace and comfort.

Memorialization Opportunity
Bereaved parents are invited to memorialize a child’s name on paving bricks that border the walkway leading to the Children’s Memorial and Prayer Garden at Gethsemane Cemetery. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call The Catholic Cemeteries at 651-228-9991.

To Visit
Visitors are welcome to the Memorial and Prayer Garden each day of the week. The Gethsemane Chapel and Mausoleum is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. Click here for a map and directions to Gethsemane Cemetery.

Children’s Memorial Gallery