Healing Gardens

Inspiration for the gardens came largely from a victim-survivor who has worked with Victims Assistance Ministry for many years – he taught horticulture and landscape design in the L.A. Unified School District for 30+ years and shared his experience and vision with us in planning these simple but important gardens.

The design is built around a weeping wall placed somewhere outside the churches providing those who might find it difficult to step inside the church with a sacred and welcoming space dedicated to those impacted by sexual abuse.

As of January 17, 2024 -four healing gardens have been dedicated and blessed. The plan is to have a Healing Garden in every Pastoral Region in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. 

Dedicated to all those affected by sexual abuse in the Church, their communities, their families – may all who visit find some measure of renewal, peace and comfort in doing so.

Here in this sacred space, may you feel safe and strong, renewed in the beauty of God’s creation and in the living waters that bring healing and peace.

Here in this sacred place, may you hear again the voice of God, who has loved you from before all ages – may you turn again to God in your sorrow, opening your heart in hope, trusting that with God, all things are possible – healing is possible.

Here in this sacred place, may you know that the Church longs to welcome you home, seeks to understand and acknowledge your pain, prays that you will once again know joy and peace.

To you, who have been wounded by someone in our Church, who have had your innocence taken and your trust broken: I am deeply sorry. We in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles want to walk with you and help you to heal. As you pray in this sacred place, please know that we, as Church, are praying with you. May you find hope in Jesus Christ, may the Blessed Virgin Mary be a Mother to you, and may God give you peace.

Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, 2022

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Dedicado a todos los afectados por el abuso sexual en la Iglesia, sus comunidades, sus familias: que todos los que visiten encuentren en cierta medida renovación, paz y consuelo al hacerlo.

Aquí en este espacio sagrado, que te sientas seguro y fuerte, renovado en la belleza de la creación de Dios y en las aguas vivas que brindan sanación y paz.

Aquí en este lugar sagrado, que escuches la voz de Dios nuevamente, Él que te ha amado desde antes de los siglos, que vuelvas a Dios en tu dolor, abriendo tu corazón con esperanza, confiando que, con Dios, todo es posible – y la sanación es posible.

Aquí en este lugar sagrado, que sepas que la Iglesia anhela darte la bienvenida a casa, busca comprender y reconocer tu dolor, y reza para que vuelvas a conocer la alegría y la paz.

A ti, que has sido herido por alguien en nuestra Iglesia, que te han quitado la inocencia y roto tu confianza: lo siento profundamente. Nosotros en la Arquidiócesis de Los Ángeles queremos caminar contigo y ayudarte a sanar. Mientras rezas en este lugar sagrado, espero que sepas que nosotros, como Iglesia, estamos rezando contigo. Que encuentres esperanza en Jesucristo, que la Santísima Virgen María sea una Madre para ti y que Dios te dé la paz.

Reverendísimo José H. Gomez, Arzobispo de Los Ángeles, 2022

If you, or someone you know, has been sexually abused by a member of the clergy, an employee, or a volunteer in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, please report to law enforcement and contact the Office of Victims Assistance Ministry of the Archdiocese at (800) 355-2545.