Bishop John M. Quinn of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester blessed and rededicated the Peace Garden at the Saint Marys Campus in Rochester on May 24, after a three-year renovation project was recently completed.

With the words, “Pace e bene” — or “Peace and all Good,” Ken Ackerman, associate administrator of Hospital Operations, opened the recent ceremony for the rededication and blessing of the Peace Garden. The words reflect a traditional greeting used by Saint Francis and Saint Clare.

Under clear skies, representatives of the Sisters of Saint Francis joined with staff from Spiritual Care and Facilities, and Bishop John M. Quinn of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester on May 24 to rededicate the garden as a sacred space for patients, staff and the community.

The garden is west of the Generose Building. It was taken out of commission in 2019 to plan the renovation, which focused on an improved patient experience, and better drainage, access and other elements.

The new Peace Garden features a fountain and meandering walkways that resemble Minnesota’s rivers and streams. Benches within the garden represent the Mayo Clinic Values: Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Healing, Teamwork, Innovation, Excellence and Stewardship.

Guests also are greeted with interpretive signage that explains the background and purpose of the Peace Garden. In addition, the original monument sign for the garden was restored and returned in honor of Sister Generose, whose vision for the garden was to provide hope and healing for visitors.