A place for rest and reflection

Dialog reporter
Ministry of Caring dedicates Mary’s Garden in former home of St. Patrick’s Senior Center
WILMINGTON — For almost a year, the administrative offices of the Ministry of Caring have been located in one place, at the former St. Patrick’s Senior Center, instead of four different locations. Now, the staff, clients and neighbors have a quiet place for rest and reflection to go along with it.
Bishop Malooly was on hand June 19 with Ministry of Caring founder and executive director Brother Ronald Giannone to bless and dedicate Mary’s Garden behind the building, which is located on 14th Street in Wilmington. The garden is dedicated in honor of Dolores and Pio Abessinio, the parents of Rocco Abessinio, who has contributed to numerous charitable causes in the diocese.
“This garden is a place of rest, and an oasis from our daily tasks,” the bishop said during the blessing. “It is here where we reflect and find peace.”
The garden was placed under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “as it was done 40 years ago when the Ministry of Caring began opening its doors and hearts to the poor at Mary Mother of Hope House on Eighth and Van Buren streets,” he continued.

Mary has always been the protector and advocate of the Ministry of Caring, Bishop Malooly said.
Abessinio’s wife, Mary, placed a crown on a statue of Mary that sits near the fence along 14th Street, and the bishop and Abessinio unveiled a plaque noting that it is dedicated in honor of Abessinio’s parents.
His father is deceased, but Dolores Abessinio was present for the dedication. She is 99 years old.
“Rocco’s a humble man,” said Brother Ronald a Capuchin Franciscan priest. “I wanted to do something special. Nothing is more touching than to name it after the parents.”
After moving into their new offices last August, the ministry went to work on the garden. It was completed last fall and was opened with a barbecue for the homeless.
“I told Sister Danielle, who was the director next door (at St. Patrick’s), ‘This is your place. This is a place for the poor. Take it and enjoy. Use the park.’ That’s what we want the park for, the homeless primarily, and for the staff to go out and reflect,” Brother Ronald said.
The Ministry of Caring’s administrative functions were located in four different places until consolidating last summer. The new location houses development, communications, grant-writing, human resources and other offices. It is beneficial for the employees to be in the same place, and it helps to be able to direct benefactors to one site, Brother Ronald said.
As Bishop Malooly mentioned, the ministry is marking 40 years of service in Wilmington and the surrounding area this year. From the start with the Mary Mother of Hope House, it has expanded to include 29 locations, providing housing, healthcare, meals, job training and other services to the poor.
Brother Ronald, who praised the ministry’s employees, volunteers and benefactors, said he can’t believe it’s been four decades. “It just amazes me that 40 years ago we opened the doors of Mary Mother of Hope House.”