A Prayerful Space: The Julie Sims Gibbons ’80 Rosary Garden

Julie Sims Gibbons ’80 faithfully prayed the rosary throughout her life and especially during her journey with brain cancer. After her passing, donations made in her memory inspired Magnificat to create a rosary garden for the community to pray the rosary in a beautiful and serene outdoor space.

Horticulture Manager Karen Ryan Tigue ’85 and Advancement Administrator Chris Rini Slyman ’84 worked with Groundworks Land Design to create the rosary garden, which was completed in July. Located in the grotto off the northwest side of the school building, the garden is shaped as a cross to encourage walking and the engagement of mind, body, and spirit during the praying of rosary.

“Julie was very passionate and connected to Mary and the rosary,” Tigue said. “That brought her comfort, so this is a perfect way to continue her legacy at Magnificat.”

Plantings that border the walkway and surround a statue of the Blessed Virgin have special meaning as it relates the mysteries of the rosary, Gibbons, and Magnificat. Red roses were selected for their connection to Mary and to the Class of 1980, as red was their class color. Daisies are also associated with Mary, and the white color symbolizes purity and humility. Other plantings, such as a Japanese maple tree, were left intact as a symbol of the connection to all previous generations of the Magnificat community. Guests to the garden are guided by signage of four Mysteries of the Rosary: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous.

Last summer, Magnificat hosted the Christ Child Society of Cleveland for a daylong retreat. Led by Magnificat’s Vice President of Mission Emeritus, Sister Helen Jean Novy, HM, the group prayed the rosary in the new garden. The 60 attendees were grateful to be among the first to enjoy this revitalized space on a beautiful summer day.

The project is part of a larger effort to enhance the entire grotto area. Tigue and Slyman developed a comprehensive plan to integrate different areas into a cohesive All Generations Grotto and Spiritual Gardens for classes, personal time, prayer, and reflection. The space will include an intention circle, a larger Grotto alcove, an outdoor classroom, and additional paths and flower beds.

“Magnificat has been extremely meaningful and supportive to our family over the years,” said Kali Gibbons Fisher ’09, Julie’s daughter and the artist who will be designing a mural for the back wall of the rosary garden. “It’s a place that will always remind us of our Mom and all of the lives she touched.”

Visitors are welcome to enjoy the new Julie Sims Gibbons ’80 Rosary Garden when they are on campus. Interested in supporting the All Generations Grotto and Spiritual Gardens? Please contact Vice President of Advancement Deborah Durbin ’81 at ddurbin@maghs.org or at 440-331-1572.

Pictured clockwise from left: The late Julie Sims Gibbons ’80, Terry Gibbons, Nick Fisher, Meegan Gibbons Matthews ’08, Kevin Gibbons, Leo Fisher, Kali Gibbons Fisher ’09, and Marley Fisher ’37