Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden: A Spiritual Oasis on Staten Island

Daughters of Our Lady-The Garden Introduce

In the diverse tapestry of Staten Island, amidst residential streets and urban landscapes, lies a unique and significant presence that offers a different kind of "garden" experience: the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden. While not a public botanical garden in the traditional sense, this spiritual community, located at 124 Rivington Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA, cultivates a "garden" of faith, service, and community, rooted in profound devotion and evangelical charity. Founded in Chiavari, Italy, in 1829 by Bishop St. Anthony Gianelli, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden are a Religious Congregation of Pontifical right, dedicated to apostolic activity. Their presence on Staten Island represents a local branch of a global mission, extending their charism across continents and serving various needs within the Church and society.

For locals in New York, particularly on Staten Island, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden represent a vital part of the spiritual and social fabric. Their mission is driven by a "vigilant evangelical charity," meaning they are attentive to the needs of the times and strive to do their best for the good of all persons, with a special love for the poor and those in need. The sisters live a simple, prayerful life, deeply committed to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary, who they consider their mother and model. Their home on Rivington Avenue serves as a base from which they carry out their apostolate, engaging in various forms of service that benefit the local community. This includes ministries in education, social services, and parish work, embodying their commitment to living out their charism in tangible ways. They offer a quiet presence of faith and dedication, which, while perhaps not immediately apparent to every passerby, contributes significantly to the spiritual well-being and social support available on Staten Island. For those seeking spiritual guidance, community involvement, or a deeper connection to faith, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden offer a unique and welcoming environment.

The Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden are situated at 124 Rivington Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA. This address places them within a residential neighborhood on Staten Island, making them part of the local community. Rivington Avenue is accessible via local roads and is part of the broader network of streets that crisscross Staten Island. For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, various MTA bus routes operate throughout Staten Island. While a direct bus stop immediately outside 124 Rivington Ave may vary, bus lines on major thoroughfares like Victory Boulevard or Travis Avenue are likely within a reasonable walking distance, connecting the location to other parts of Staten Island and ferry terminals that provide access to Manhattan. For those driving, street parking in residential areas is typically available, though it may vary depending on the time of day. The location offers a sense of tranquility away from the busiest commercial hubs, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere conducive to their spiritual life and ministries. This allows them to be embedded within the community they serve, offering accessibility to those who seek their guidance or assistance.

The Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden offer a range of services and ministries that reflect their apostolic mission, extending their "vigilant evangelical charity" to various segments of society. While they are a religious order and not a public garden or recreational facility, their services are integral to their mission and benefit the community in distinct ways. These services are often carried out through their work in various institutions and within their community itself. Locals seeking spiritual support, educational resources, or community involvement may find their apostolates particularly relevant.

Services Offered (through their apostolate and community life):

Educational Ministry: The Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden are involved in education, serving in schools. For example, on Staten Island, they are noted for being part of the faculty at Moore Catholic High School. This provides educational services to local youth.
Pastoral Ministry: They engage in parish and youth ministries, supporting the spiritual growth and development of individuals within the Catholic community.
Social Services: Their charism includes a special love for the poor and needy. They are involved in various forms of social service, reaching out to those afflicted by "old and new forms of poverty." This could include work in hospices, orphanages, or direct aid to the disadvantaged, as per their global mission.
Care of the Sick and Elderly: Historically, and as part of their global apostolate, they have been involved in the care of the sick and elderly, including working in hospitals and nursing homes. This service directly benefits vulnerable populations.
Vocation Discernment and Spiritual Guidance: For interested women (typically ages 18-45) who wish to explore a life dedicated to God and service, the sisters offer guidance and the opportunity to experience community life, daily Mass, prayer, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. They have a Vocation Director available for inquiries.
Prayer and Adoration: While primarily for their community life, their commitment to daily Mass, prayer, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament creates a spiritual powerhouse that, in a broader sense, offers spiritual support to the local community through their prayers.
Community Life and Witness: The sisters live a simple and prayerful community life, open to God and the needs of their brothers and sisters. Their very presence and way of life serve as a witness to faith and dedication in the local area.

The Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden, as a religious community, offer "features" that are rooted in their spiritual mission and communal life rather than recreational amenities. These highlights define their unique contribution to Staten Island and provide a distinct experience for those who engage with them.

Features / Highlights:

Spiritual Oasis: The community's convent on Rivington Avenue provides a tranquil and prayerful environment, offering a sense of peace and reflection for those who visit or interact with the sisters.
Rich Heritage and Charism: The sisters embody the charism of "vigilant evangelical charity" passed down from their founder, St. Anthony Gianelli. This historical depth and dedicated mission are central to their identity and work.
Global Reach, Local Impact: While they operate internationally in 13 countries across 5 continents, their presence on Staten Island allows this global mission to have a direct, local impact through their involvement in education and social services within the community.
Devotion to Eucharist and Mary: A profound devotion to the Eucharist and a great love for the Blessed Virgin Mary are central to their spiritual life, influencing all their activities and providing a strong spiritual foundation.
Community of Dedicated Women: The Staten Island community is part of a larger congregation of women who have committed their lives to God and the service of others, providing a powerful example of faith in action.
Opportunities for Spiritual Exploration: For women discerning a religious vocation, the community offers a unique opportunity to experience consecrated life, including community living, prayer, and service, under the guidance of experienced sisters.
Contribution to Local Education: Their faculty presence at Moore Catholic High School is a significant highlight, demonstrating their direct involvement in shaping the minds and values of local youth.
Commitment to the Poor and Needy: Their special focus on the poor and needy means they are a resource for compassion and support within the community, often working with vulnerable populations.

As a religious congregation, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden do not offer "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense. Their "offering" to the community is primarily spiritual guidance, educational services, and social outreach, based on their charism of vigilant evangelical charity. Any "opportunities" would revolve around spiritual retreats, discernment programs for vocations, or calls for support for their charitable works. Information on specific events, open houses (for those interested in their community life), or opportunities to contribute to their ministries would be communicated directly through their official website or by contacting them. For example, women discerning religious life might find information about "come and see" weekends or virtual discernment opportunities advertised on their vocation page. Support for their educational or social services would typically be through donations or volunteering, rather than commercial promotions.

For inquiries about the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden, their spiritual life, ministries, or vocation discernment, you can contact them directly. They encourage interested individuals to reach out.

Address: 124 Rivington Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA

Phone: (718) 448-3408

Mobile Phone: +1 718-448-3408

Vocation Director Contact: Sr. Maria-Ines Aparicio, FMH

Email (Vocation Director): miaparicio56@gmail.com or vocationfmh@gmail.com

Website: http://www.sistersfmh.org/ (This website provides further details on their history, charism, and ministries globally and in the U.S.).

For locals on Staten Island and across New York, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden offer a profound and understated resource that is particularly suitable for those seeking spiritual depth, community engagement, or simply a connection to a faith-based organization dedicated to service. Their "garden" is one of spiritual growth and compassionate action. For families, their involvement in local education, such as at Moore Catholic High School, provides a valuable service. For individuals, particularly women, who are exploring their faith or considering a life of service, the sisters offer genuine guidance and an authentic experience of religious life. They provide a quiet but powerful presence of prayer and dedication within the urban landscape, contributing to the spiritual well-being of the borough. Their commitment to the poor and needy means they are often a point of contact for those seeking assistance or wanting to contribute to charitable works. In an ever-busy city, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden serve as a beacon of evangelical charity and a reminder of the enduring power of faith and service, making them a unique and valuable asset to the Staten Island community.