Angel of Hope
PRAYER GARDEN
A peaceful sanctuary for those who have lost a child, offering a space for remembrance, grieving, hope and comfort.
Angel of Hope
PRAYER GARDEN
A peaceful sanctuary for those who have lost a child, offering a space for remembrance, grieving, hope and comfort.
Join us on June 8th for the new Angel of Hope Prayer Garden dedication at St. Rose Church in Maria Stein.
Peace & Reflection
Angel of God, My guardian dear,
To whom his Love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, To rule and guide.
The Angel of Hope statues in St. Marys and Minster, Ohio were brought to life through the vision and dedication of Anna Sampson Katterhenry, along with the generosity of an anonymous donor.
A similar memorial and prayer garden, made possible by the vision of Pam Haizman, Pam Burk, and a generous anonymous donor, can be found at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Oxford, Ohio.
These serene monuments offer comfort and hope to all who visit. They serve as a place of solace for families and individuals in western Ohio and the surrounding communities, especially those who have experienced the loss of a child before or after birth.
Coming Soon: A new Angel of Hope location.
LOCATIONS & EVENTS
ABOUT ANGEL OF HOPE
PRAYER GARDEN
The Angel of Hope Memorials found in St. Marys, Minster, and Oxford, Ohio, are the result of heartfelt community effort and quiet generosity. Inspired by Anna Sampson Katterhenry’s vision and supported by an anonymous donor, the memorials in St. Marys and Minster were brought to life through the work of Anna’s Angel of Hope committee and the dedication of local contractors.
These peaceful spaces now welcome visitors at Gethsemane Cemetery in St. Marys and St. Augustine Cemetery in Minster, offering comfort and reflection – especially for those grieving the loss of a child.
In Oxford, Ohio, a similar sanctuary was created in 2021 at Mount Olivet Cemetery, thanks to another generous anonymous donor. With inspiration from Pam Haizman, Pam Burk, and the support of the Angel of Hope committee, St. Marys Church staff, and local builders, the garden includes the iconic Angel of Hope statue, a statue of the Blessed Mother, a pergola, benches, and landscaping designed to foster peace and prayer.
Each year on December 6th, a candlelight ceremony is held at the base of the Angel of Hope monument in St. Marys, Ohio. The event features a guest speaker, a time to reflect, music, and attendees are given a flower to place at the base of the Angel of Hope in memory of their child. The ceremony is open to the public. Additionally, remembrance flowers may be left at any location any time.
A closer look at the Angel of Hope statue reveals its open arms, a symbolic invitation to lay down burdens of grief and sorrow. Unlike a traditional gravestone, this angel does not mark a burial but instead stands as a beacon of solace for those who have lost a child. The word “HOPE” is inscribed on its right wing, offering a reminder to pray for peace, strength, and the ability to honor and remember loved ones.
The Angel of Hope statues in St. Marys and Minster are more than monuments; they are symbols of love, light, and healing. They offer a tranquil space for reflection to all who visit, regardless of faith or reason. Thanks to the generosity of Anna, her donor, and the support of the local community, these sacred prayer gardens ensure that no one must grieve alone. The statues in Gethsemane and St. Augustine cemeteries now stand as enduring symbols of hope and remembrance, inviting all to find comfort within their embrace.
THE CHRISTMAS BOX
ANGEL STATUE
The Christmas Box Angel Statue was first introduced through Richard Paul Evans’ bestselling novel The Christmas Box, which was later adapted into a television movie. In the book, a woman mourns the loss of her child at the base of an angel monument. Although largely a work of fiction, the original angel monument once existed but is believed to have been destroyed.
Recognizing the need for a dedicated space for grieving parents, Evans commissioned a new angel statue, which was unveiled on December 6, 1994—the date of the child’s passing in the novel. Coincidentally, December 6th is observed in many cultures as Children’s Day.
ANGEL STATUES AROUND THE WORLD
Beyond St. Marys and Minster, more than 170 Christmas Box Angel statues exist worldwide, including locations in Canada and Japan. These statues provide places of remembrance and healing for grieving families across the globe.
The bronze Angel of Hope sculpture was created by father and son artists Ortho and Jared Fairbanks of Salt Lake City, Utah. Modeled after the description in The Christmas Box, the angel’s face is based on Evans’ second daughter, Allyson-Danica. Standing 4 feet 3 inches tall with a wingspan of 5 feet 2 inches, the statue rests on a 22-inch base.