In 1996, Sister Mary Veronica's work schedule changed, making it possible for her to devote more time to the gardens. About 200 feet in length, this shaded garden is entered from the parking lot next to the chapel of the Convent of the Transfiguration. A concrete walkway slopes gently downhill, leading to a gazebo on the left and a rock garden on the right. Along the path thirteen large shade trees, mostly sugar maples interspersed among elm, oak, locust, hackberry and ash, provide shade from the sun. The garden is a cool refuge on a hot summer day.
Water flows through the rock garden and into a pond at a lower level.
The walk now becomes a gravel path, and we see the Madonna statue ahead. Such gardens were used by the monks as a means of teaching the unlettered members of their flocks to pray and meditate on the life of Our Lord, His blessed Mother and the early saints. May we, too, use this garden to God's praise and Glory. The bench is placed in front of the area leading to the Mary statue and we rest here and behold the statue. Mary cradles the infant Jesus with her right arm.