It was a hot summer day on June 22 when Michaela, a 17-year-old from Upland, and her team of volunteers showed up with shovels, rakes, flowers and trees to fulfill Michaela’s year-long plan of giving the women at Veronica’s Home of Mercy in San Bernardino a meditation garden, a place for them to go for quiet time and reflection.
Veronica’s Home is a Catholic/Christian long-term transitional home that provides comprehensive residential service to adult women and their children 0-7 years old, as a safe alternative to domestic violence, abortion, substance abuse, and/or homelessness. It is through this home that these women and their children are reminded of their worth and regain their confidence in who they are as children of God.
“I believe there is possibly no greater challenge than to be an impoverished or abused mother seeking shelter from the elements while pregnant or with young children,” says Michaela. “I believe these women deserve a safe place to recharge, so I planned to create a meditation garden capable of providing some comfort and inspiration for these women to pray and seek peace.”
It has been a few weeks since completion of the garden and the residents at Veronica’s Home are thoroughly enjoying their new tranquil space. The statue of Mary and a bench in the middle of a garden filled with various lush flowers, roses and fruit trees has provided these women with the peaceful beauty they need during this time in their lives.
“Michaela has provided a place for these women today and for many, many years to come,” said Mike Hein, Vice President and Administrator of Mary’s Mercy Center to which it is affliated. “We are all impressed that someone, especially someone her age, would do something like this.”
Added Hein, “we were in awe of Michaela’s plan and the residents were overwhelmed by the final product.” He chuckled and continued, “one of our residents was so awestruck she didn’t want to step into the garden, fearful she might ruin it.”
This garden, this action, this girl, showed these residents that people cared for them unconditionally. That people believed in them. That people think they deserve all the beauty that life has to offer.
Inspired by the leadership of Pope Francis and the words of Saint Francis, Michaela reminds us that we are all called to “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” We too are created in God’s image and in that, we are never too young nor too old, never too rich nor too poor, but simply, the people who God created us to be, and in that, we are called to share the best of who are with the world!
What is your passion? Who can you impact? What are you waiting for?
If you would like further information or to make a donation, please contact Mission Advancement, Diocese of San Bernardino at (909) 475-5461.
Kathleen Hurtt is Donor Relations Coordinator for Mission Advancement in the Diocese of San Bernardino.