Tree Blessing St. Clare of Assisi Secular Franciscan Fraternity gathered at the site of two Green Vase Zelkova trees that they donated; one in memory of their Fraternity founders Eileen and William Hennessey and the other in memory of their deceased members. Fr. John Hogan, ofm led the blessing while members joined in the blessing prayer. These beautiful trees were planted on the grounds of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in North Providence, Rhode Island. Fifty-seven new trees have been planted since 2005. They have replaced some of the trees that were lost. Neighbors, friends and family have contributed to the success of this tree project.

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 Greenvase Zelkova tree. In the Garden of Eden, You planted both the tree of knowledge and the tree of life.

May this Greenvase Zelkova tree be a tree of life to all the earth. May its leaves breathe forth the life-breath of oxygen. May its branches be living space for those who climb among and for the birds of the air that shall nest there. May it give to all who look upon it the gift of life-renewing beauty. May this treeÕs cousins in creation- other trees, grasses and wild flowers- welcome it and help it to recover from the shock of being moved. As blessings, peace and life were the fruits of the tree of the Cross of Your Son, Jesus, may those same fruits flow from this Greenvase Zelkova tree which we plant in your Holy Name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

In conclusion, those gathered sang Joyce Kilmer,s familiar poem I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree 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 A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed Against the earth,s sweet flowing breast Poems are made by fools like me But only God can make a tree.

The value of a tree Economically Speaking One tree over a 50-year lifetime:
* Generates $3,1250 worth of oxygen
* Provides $62,000 worth of pollution control
* Recycles $37,500 worth of water
* Controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion
*Source: Michigan State University


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