The four gardens representing the chambers of the heart WILL BE open to all religions and cultures and are designed for meditation and personal reflection. They are to BE separate yet distinct in that each adds progressively to the overall theme.
The gardens are reminiscent of our spiritual journey through life from innocence to CLEANSING, to healing, and UNION WITH GOD.
Innocence & Humility
The first garden is symbolic of innocence and humility; white flowers will surround replicas of children from around the world at play. The garden will be designed so as to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14
Cleansing & Mercy
The second garden will represent cleansing and mercy. Lavender flora combine with the blue tones of sparkling water. A stone sculpture will display palms of two large hands joined together with life-giving waters flowing through them. They symbolize Hands of Mercy and Forgiveness.
I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God... I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Healing & Restoration
The third garden will symbolize healing and restoration. An arbor of green foliage will lead to a variegated floral array in this garden. A gold metal heart warmed and illumined by the sun will be at the center of the garden. The heart is accessible to touch, and represents the reciprocal nature of healing love.
But I, like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God, I trust in God's mercy forever and ever. I will thank you forever for what you have done. Paslm 52: 10, 11
Love
The fourth garden represents love; flowers will be all shades of red, including red roses and other flora. There will be a perpetual flame in the waters of the garden. Rays of light emanating from the flame symbolize the Light of Christ in healed hearts and lives.
Remain in my love. John:9
Chapel, Residences
Retreat/Conference Center
Sacred Heart Chapel
The name, "Sacred Heart" recalls the deep love for all people that is symbolically represented by the Heart of Jesus. The Chapel seats 80 and is designated for Eucharistic/Devotional Services. A Rosary Garden will be adjacent to the building.
Beatitude Residence
The descriptive word "Beatitude" denotes something that is blessed and is often used to refer to the eight beatitudes that begin with "Blessed are the Poor in Spirit."
MERCY COTTAGE
Residence for clergy who live their charism independent from the main Community group and who observe the site regulations of Mercy Hill Directors. Mercy Cottage consists of 4 living units, a business office, chapel, and communal kitchen.
Mary, House of Gold
The name, "Mary, House of Gold" refers to the Mother of God and describes Mary's incomparable beauty and worth as the woman who bore Jesus in her womb.
The Retreat/Conference Center will be a two-story structure with a twofold purpose. The first floor will be designed with a kitchen, dining area, and a large gathering room for talks, conferences, and other events. The second floor will have rooms to accommodate 65 retreatants — two rooms on the first floor will be ADA Compliant for individuals with disabilities. The Center will be available for weekday conferences and weekend retreats.