Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will bless The Multi-Sensory Garden at Saint Edmond's Home for Children in Rosemont, Delaware County. Saint Edmond's Home for Children is under the auspices of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Saint Edmond's serves approximately 40 children with special needs in a caring and supportive environment. The children, ages two to twenty-one, receive a broad spectrum of medical/nursing and therapeutic services that support a unique quality of life for each child.

The Multi-Sensory Garden is made possible through the efforts of The Women's Auxiliary of Saint Edmond's Home for Children. The garden is visually stimulating, filled with bright colors and lovely flowers that attract butterflies. The garden also stimulates other senses: special plants such as "elephant ears" for the sense of touch, wind chimes and "singing" rocks for the sense of hearing and plants with strong scents such as lavender for the sense of smell.

Cardinal Rigali will bless The Multi-Sensory Garden following remarks by Reverend Joseph A. Tracy, Secretary for Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Mrs. Denise Clofine, Administrator of Saint Edmond's Home for Children will offer a welcome. Mrs. Kathleen Kraus, President of the Women's Auxiliary of Saint Edmond's Home for Children will dedicate the garden in honor of Mrs. Julius (Betty) Sirmay who contributed the majority of the funds to The Women's Auxiliary for the garden.

Tuesday, September 14, 2004
3:00 p.m.
Saint Edmond's Home for Children
320 South Roberts Road
Rosemont, Delaware County


History
Saint Edmond's Home for Children was opened in 1916 by Archbishop Edmond Prendergast. In 1956, the original home at 44th Street and Haverford Avenue in Philadelphia was replaced by the larger facility in Rosemont. Today, committed lay staff, sensitive to the special needs of these children, carry on the caring tradition of Saint Edmond's Home for Children.
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Donna Farrell
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215-587-3747