BRIGHTON — During the past year, The Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston completed major renovation which began in June, 2003, of the Motherhouse Residences at 631 Cambridge Street, Brighton. Included in the final phase of this renovation, is the Dedication of Holy Spirit Memorial Garden. The memorial garden was made possible through a donation given by William Cafferky in memory of his wife, Phyllis. Phyllis Hurley Cafferky was a graduate of Mount St. Joseph Academy, Brighton. On May 21, over 100 sisters, associates, and friends gathered for a formal blessing of the garden and statue created especially for the garden by noted artist Robert Lamb of Rhode Island.

Sister Joan Duffy, president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston and a life-long resident of Brighton, introduced the event saying, “Today, in this memorial garden our creator spirit nourishes us with beauty … Since it has the potential for nurturing life — it is just what we need.” A bronze replica of the sculpture, which is the centerpiece of the garden, was presented to Sister Joan, Robert Lamb, and William Cafferky. Cafferky also spoke of his gratitude in making this dream a reality.

The memorial garden is consistent with the overall goal of the Motherhouse renovation. This process employs the practice of sustainable development, an emerging trend that treats real estate development projects as organic, living buildings. The garden offers an oasis of quiet beauty cradled between the newly renovated Motherhouse residences and the CSJ administration offices. This process of becoming good stewards of the earth through daily living practices is consistent with the spirit and purpose of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

In addition to the bronze sculpture in the center, special features of the garden include a fountain surrounded by paved walkways and a memorial wall on which the names of all Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston who have passed away since the congregation was founded in Boston in 1873. In a few months a permanent Book of Remembrance will be placed in the garden as a way of memorializing deceased friends, relatives, loved ones, and donors. For more information about how to honor the memory of someone dear to you in the Holy Spirit Memorial Garden at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph call 617-747-2115.