SHALLOTTE — The community of St. Brendan the Navigator joined Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama and Father Mark Betti, pastor, March 22 for the dedication of the St. Francis Prayer Garden.
A space for quiet contemplation and spiritual renewal, the garden is timely considering that the Catholic Church is in the Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi. The jubilee, which began Jan. 10, 2026 and concludes Jan. 10, 2027, was proclaimed by Pope Leo and marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis.
St. Brendan the Navigator Church, with its new prayer garden, is an official pilgrimage site for the jubilee.
In alignment with the Vatican’s vision for the jubilee, Father Mark invites the faithful from across the diocese to visit the prayer garden. It serves as a "sanctuary of hope" where pilgrims can walk the Stations of the Cross and experience the beauty of God’s creation.
The Stations of the Cross along the garden’s flower-lined walking path were installed by Charles Sherman as part of his efforts to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America program. Sherman is a St. Brendan parishioner and high school senior.
An invitation to the heart: The Vatican’s vision for the Year of Saint Francis offers more information on the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis and other pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Raleigh.
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