Campus Transformation - The Champagnat Peace Gardens

What was once the Hampshire Street entrance for Central Catholic has been transformed into a picturesque, unique, and prayerful experience for students, faculty, and staff - the St. Marcellin Champagnat Peace Gardens! This project was made possible by students through Walk 2023 and by the support of generous supporters and benefactors.

This section of campus is now named for the inspiring founder of the Marist Brothers of the School - St. Marcellin Champagnat.

Several members of the Marist and CCHS community gathered to bless and dedicate this sacred space – a new reflective outdoor sanctuary on campus.

In This Article

• Blessing and Dedication Photo Album & Details
• The Imprescia & Burger Family Prayer & Meditation Labyrinth
• The Madeline (Howshan) Rossi Stations of the Cross
• The Richard ('61) & Marilyn Santagati Amphitheater
• The Statue of Our Lady
• Thank You to Those Who Made This Possible
• The Impact

 

Blessing & Dedication of the St. Champagnat Peace Gardens

Friday, November 1, 2024

Click here to view and download photos on Raider Smug Mug.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, members of the CCHS community, alumni and friends gathered to bless and dedicate the new St. Marcellin Champagnat Peace Gardens – a new reflective outdoor sanctuary on campus.

Bro. Own Ormsby, FMS, Vice Provincial of the Marist Brothers, was on hand to deliver the blessing.

What was once the Hampshire Street entrance for Central Catholic, has been transformed into a picturesque, unique experience for students, faculty and staff consisting of three distinct areas.

Members of the Central Catholic student environmental and stewardship club, Planet Green, were instrumental in suggesting the native plants and bushes that would be used as part of the Peace Gardens.

"As Central Catholic continues to grow and move into the future, we also embrace our roots and our mission," said Mr. Christopher Sullivan '81, CCHS President.

"Proudly located right here 'in the midst of Lawrence City,' the Saint Marcellin Champagnat Peace Gardens will be a sacred space where members of the Central Catholic community can find beauty, a quiet place of reflection and a place to, as we say each day, 'pray for each other.'"

Click here to view photos from throughout construction on Raider SmugMug.

 

The Imprescia & Burger Family Prayer & Meditation Labyrinth

Invites those looking to follow a path for reflective prayer and focus.

Made possible by Olivia (Imprescia '14) Burger & Dan Burger. 

 

The Madeline (Howshan) Rossi Stations of the Cross

Depicts Jesus Christ's last day on Earth as a man and is commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as individuals move from station to station.

Made possible by Laurence J. ('64) and Patricia C. Rossi in honor of Larry's mother.

 

The Richard ('61) & Marilyn Santagati Amphitheater

A serene seating space for outdoor classes or opportunities for meditation.

Made possible by Richard J. ('61) & Marilyn Santagati.

 

The Statue of Our Lady

The Statue of Our Lady, which has stood watch over students and faculty in front of the original CCHS school building on Auburn Street and at various other places on campus throughout our history, has found her home as part of the Peace Gardens.

 

Thank You to the Peace Garden Supporters & Benefactors

The St. Marcellin Champagnat Peace Gardens project was made possible by donations from generous supporters combined with funds raised by students through the 2023 Walkathon.

The planning and construction were managed by Trident Project Advisors, owned by Gino Baroni '74 (Founder & Managing Principal), a Past Chair (and current member) of the CCHS Board of Directors and a member of the Building & Grounds Committee.

We would like to recognize the generous supporters who contributed to the development of this sacred space.

• The Beaulieu & Thibault Families
• Enterprise Bank
• Matthew '02 & Katelyn Fitzgerald
• William & Kathy Fitzgerald
• The Imprescia & Burger Families
• Shaun Logan '81, in memory of Michael Logan '59
• David '89 & Kimberly Netishen
• Timothy O’ Donahue '81, in memory of Michael Logan '59
• Brian '97 & Karen Perrault
• Laurence '64 & Patricia Rossi
• Richard '61 & Marilyn Santagati
• Terence & Sabrina (Barry '76^SM) Sanz
• Jeffrey & Karen Sheehy
• Paul Theberge '59
• Eugene Thornhill '79

 

The Impact of the Gardens

"I brought my seniors to the St. Marcellin Champagnat Peace Gardens, and they love the Labyrinth. The students appreciate the outdoor space, which is a welcome refuge from sitting in desks.  The Labyrinth helps them to focus their prayer and to be intentionally quiet - a gift in the midst of their very busy lives! A number of Religious Studies teachers have been bringing their classes out to pray on good weather days. It was also a popular space to visit during our Faculty & Staff Retreat, with many teachers praying the Labyrinth with Scripture, and others enjoying the company of colleagues in the Peace Gardens. It is definitely a beautiful retreat on campus.”

-Mrs. Diana Chase, Religious Studies Faculty Member

"I believe the St. Marcellin Champagnat Peace Gardens provide a great space for learning. Nature and sunlight have been shown to help reduce stress, which can help create an environment where students are more engaged in what their practicing. The change in environment can also inspire them be more creative and take a fresh approach when solving problems."

-Mr. Cameron Hebert '17, Mathematics Faculty Member, who utilized The Richard ('61) & Marilyn Santagati Amphitheater for his AP Calculus course

"Having class in the amphitheater brings us all much closer to each other and we’re able to communicate much easier. It was nice to get out of the classroom and spend some time outside on a nice day. It was definitely very peaceful."

-Connor Chase '25, AP Calculus student