Arbor Day

The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary and staff planted a Kwansan Flowering Cherry Tree with a blessing ceremony to commemorate National Arbor Day. The tree was donated by the RI Tree Council through the Town Of North Providence, thanks to the Arbor Day Sponsor, the Mihatdes Family Trust.

Blessing of the Tree
Creator of life and Sustainer of seed and soil of tree and flower, you have created this world and all that lives in it. We come to You in this prayer of dedication and blessing, for you are the giver of life, the Sustainer of all that lives. Lord and Holy Creator of Trees and Forests, come and place Your blessing of life upon this Kwanzan Flowering Cherry tree that we are planting today.

The planting of this tree begins the implementation of a Remembrance Tree Project of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary at Fruit Hill.. This project was initiated to replace numerous trees on their land. It is fitting that they carry out such a project because, as Franciscans, they are committed to the care of creation and the environment

Trees
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

-- Joyce Kilmer

They have sought the help of others in drawing up a plan to replant beautiful varieties of trees on the property receiving expert advice and help from the Rhode Island Tree Council, the North Providence Land Trust and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Recently, they have sent out a letter asking their friends for help in this worthwhile project by requesting a stipulated donation for a tree and for a memorial plaque. It is a magnificent way to remember a loved one, living or deceased, a wedding anniversary, retirement or any other important occasion.

The response to this request has been excellent. It will be an ongoing project so as to ensure a rotation of trees as older ones need to be replaced. The next planting of a variety of trees will be done the first or the second week of June. For more information please contact Sr. Rosemarie Higgins, fmm at 353-5800.

They have sought the help of others in drawing up a plan to replant beautiful varieties of trees on the property receiving expert advice and help from the Rhode Island Tree Council, the North Providence Land Trust and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Recently, they have sent out a letter asking their friends for help in this worthwhile project by requesting a stipulated donation for a tree and for a memorial plaque. It is a magnificent way to remember a loved one, living or deceased, a wedding anniversary, retirement or any other important occasion. The response to this request has been excellent. It will be an ongoing project so as to ensure a rotation of trees as older ones need to be replaced. The next planting of a variety of trees will be done the first or the second week of June. For more information please contact Sr. Rosemarie Higgins, fmm at 353-5800.