St. Francis Garden
“St. Francis' devotion to God was expressed through his love for all of God's creation. St. Francis cared for the poor and sick, he preached sermons to animals, and praised all creatures as brothers and sisters under God. St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology, was born in Italy around 1181 or 1182.” (Source)
So it is fitting that he watches over the cremains of our 4-footed and winged family members. The Columbarium Board designated a portion of the Cathedral’s garden as a final resting place for this purpose. This allows us to have a sacred resting place for the cremains of those who have been our faithful and loving companions.
With a statue and a bench graciously donated by parishioners, the area offers a beautiful place to mourn your loss. But, it’s also a place St. Francis would love as a place to sit and surround oneself with God’s creation.
The St. Francis Garden is under the governance of the Cathedral’s Columbarium Board, which oversees its administration and maintenance. Arrangements for use of the garden are to be made with the Dean, who has sole discretion concerning the burial/scattering and service, if any.
The cost for each pet is $25, which includes an inscription on the St. Francis Garden plaque, which is hung in the Parish Hall complex. The Dean has sole discretion, in consultation with the pet owner, regarding the inscription. Payment is to be made by check or money order, made payable to “All Saints’ Columbarium Board,” and delivered to the Dean or mailed to:
Attn: Columbarium Board
All Saints’ Cathedral
818 E Juneau Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53202
No flowers or other memorabilia may be placed in the Garden. Donations to the Cathedral Garden Committee may be made in the pet’s memory.