In August of 1987, our family heard that a meditation garden was being planned at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Plain, Sauk County, Wisconsin. Donations were being accepted for a statue to be placed in the meditation garden. According to a letter dated October 13, 1987 by the parish secretary, "Maria Plain will be a lasting tribute, established during this Marian Year, to Mary." On October 16, 1988, the "Maria Plain Meditation Garden" was dedicated at St. Luke's Catholic Church after the 11 a.m. Mass held by Father J. Thomas Fitzgerald. A Madonna with Child statue (facing southeast) was placed beneath maple trees on the south lawn between the church and school building. Picture from the dedication day:  About October 1995, two angel statues (genuflecting and with hands folded in prayer) were added to the garden, and were placed on each side of the Madonna with Child statue. Here is a beautiful fall scene of the Maria Plain Meditation Garden in October 1995 before a plaque was installed:  In
June 1996, an engraved plaque with names "In Thanksgiving and
Appreciation" and "In Memory of" was installed and blessed by Father
Michael Resop.
 The Maria Plain Meditation Garden in June 1996, showing the new engraved plaque:  Maria Plain Courtyard The
1997 edition of "Celebrating Faith" (St. Luke's Church directory, 140
year anniversary), shows a picture of the "Maria Plain Courtyard":  Home News, Spring Green, Sauk County, Wisconsin May 19, 1999, page 16 May Crowning of the statue of the Virgin Mary at St. Luke's School in Plain on May 13.
2002 Renovation In
2002, the Maria Plain Meditation Garden was renovated and re-dedicated
as St. Luke's Courtyard, and also known as Maria Plain Courtyard.From the June 30, 2002, St. Luke's church bulletin in Plain, Wisconsin (Pastor, Fr. Mike Resop): St. Luke Courtyard Project is Underway!!! This project will consist of building an underground drainage system, waterproofing the school and church basement walls in the courtyard, new sidewalk, lights, benches, bricked area around the State of Mary, a reflection pond and landscaping. Monies to be used are from the church reserve account, estate and memorials and individual donations. We are looking at purchasing 3 benches @ $800 each and lights @ 500 each, the reflection pond will cost $2,000 and the trees and plants will cost $3,500. . . . The maple trees were removed and new trees were planted. St. Luke Church Bulletin October 6, 2002, page 3 St.
Luke Courtyard Project: An additional bench has been purchased. A patio
table and chairs will be added to the project. If you would like to
make a donation for the table & chairs, please call the parish
office this week or drop it in the mail. Dedication and blessing
ceremony will be the weekend of St. Luke Fest Day: Oct. 19-20.  | Home News (Spring Green, Wisconsin) St. Luke's courtyard dedicated  St. Luke's courtyard renovation is celebrated. Sister Helene Marie Doll (center) joins Sister Gertrude Geigle (left) and Theresa Coleman at the dedication of the St. Luke's Church courtyard.  Members
of the St. Luke's Catholic Church parish gather for refreshments Sunday
morning October 20, in the renovated courtyard following mass. Father
Michael Resop dedicated and blessed the courtyard, which includes a
small waterfall and pool.  St. Luke Church Bulletin November 17, 2002, page 3 Maria Plain Courtyard is Complete! Thanks so much for your donation of time, talent and treasure to this project. Engraved plates will be placed in the courtyard remembering and honoring the people who gave their time, talent and treasure.  New plaque in 2002: In Thanksgiving for Madonna & Child Statue in Maria Plain Courtyard  New plaque in 2002:  Maria Plain Courtyard, July 2003:  Madonna with Child statue 150th Celebration of St. Luke's parish (1857-2007), October 21, 2007:  Maria Plain Courtyard, June 2008:   Sister Helene Marie Doll Reflection Pond at St. Luke Catholic Church Page updated June 17, 2010 |
