First cremation garden opens in Chicago archdiocese

Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Chicago opened and blessed the Cremation Garden of Saint Francis at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N. River Road, in Des Plaines, on Monday, July 10.

This is the first cremation garden within the Archdiocese of Chicago and provides a sacred and comforting setting for interment of the cremated remains of the body.

"The garden provides an appropriate and final resting place for Catholic cremation," said Roman Szabelski, executive director of Catholic Cemeteries. "We want those who have experienced loss to have a special place for prayerful reflection and remembrance of their loved ones."

Catholic Cemeteries developed the garden to create a peaceful, healing and naturalistic setting for memorialization, prayer and reflection. The garden is located adjacent to the Immaculate Heart of Mary outdoor mausoleum and features scenic views of picturesque landscaping, winding pathways, a koi pond and flowing stream, pioneer elms and dogwoods, and other natural elements.

With the growing popularity of cremation, the Archdiocese of Chicago offers 12 interment options, including cremation benches, artisan-inspired niche pedestals, niche boulder stones and bronze garden vaults.

Catholic Cemeteries manages 44 cemeteries within Cook and Lake counties for the Archdiocese of Chicago. The history of Catholic Cemeteries in the Archdiocese of Chicago actually predates establishment of the diocese.

The first Catholic cemeteries were churchyard cemeteries of parishes in existence before the diocese was formed. Some of these cemeteries, which are still operating today, were Catholic burial grounds 25 years before the opening of Calvary Cemetery, the oldest diocesan cemetery, in 1859.

More information about the Cremation Garden of Saint Francis, as well as Catholic Cemeteries, is available at www.CatholicCemeteriesChicago.org.