I wasn’t expecting to see a Mary Garden in Rome, but there it was in our monastery garden of Saints John and Paul on the Celian Hill. The garden, originally belonging to the impious Emperor Nero, faces the Colosseum and the Roman Forum below. Now it’s a monastery garden.

Today, a statue of Mary rests on an ancient Roman capital, surrounded by pines and plants that must have grown here centuries ago. A blanket of Shepherd’s Purses, known for medicinal benefits, covers the earth she stands on. Mary looks out over the centuries, claiming this place for her Son.

Just below here from the edge of the garden, you can see long lines of tourists on guided tours wending their way through the Colosseum. I wish they could find some of the wisdom found in this small quiet place, a wisdom Mary found and offers to us.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.