- March 16, 2026
Prince of Peace celebrates a ribbon-cutting for Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The Knights of Columbus of Prince of Peace Catholic Church lead the procession to Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Members of the clergy walk in the procession to Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Prince of Peace celebrates a ribbon-cutting for Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Diocese of Orlando Bishop John Noonan speaks during the ribbon-cutting for Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Prince of Peace celebrates a ribbon-cutting for Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The procession approaches the Virgin Mary statue at Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The Knights of Columbus hold swords as dancers walk down Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The Knights of Columbus hold swords as dancers walk down Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Virgin Mary's statue is unveiled at Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Diocese of Orlando Bishop John Noonan blesses the Virgin Mary statue at Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Women honor Virgin Mary in dance at Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Women honor Virgin Mary with dance at Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Women honor Virgin Mary with dance at Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Diocese of Orlando Bishop John Noonan blesses Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Prince of Peace celebrated the dedication of Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Prince of Peace celebrated the dedication of Mary's Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Prince of Peace Catholic Church celebrated the opening of its new Mary's Peace Garden during a dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting on Sunday, March 15.
The garden, which spans 6,000 square feet and features a 6-foot marble statue of Virgin Mary atop a 5-foot base, broke ground in August 2025. The garden includes a 170-foot-long and 16-foot-wide plaza, bordered by Stations of the Cross on each side.
"The Garden will be an enduring sanctuary of serenity in the heart of Ormond Beach, where all are welcome to encounter peace, pray, and reflect, in addition to providing an area for outdoor Marian events, parish services, and gatherings," a press release stated. "The project is funded by a generous bequest from a parishioner, donations from many other parishioners, and support from the Vietnamese Catholic community at the parish."
Sunday's ceremony was officiated by Diocese of Orlando Bishop John Noonan. The parish also celebrated its 60th anniversary and held its Rite of Confirmation ceremony.
The parish was officially decreed on March 4, 1966, and the original church was dedicated in 1969. The present church was completed in 1991, at which time the original church was converted into a parish hall.
Today, the parish has approximately 1,800 registered member households. Rev. Justin K. Vakko is Parish Pastor, and he is assisted by Deacons Bruce Gesinski and Carlos Bom Conselho.
