PARIS — St. Mary Parish recently hosted Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, who came to celebrate Mass and bless a rock garden that was created in his honor.

Nestled in a corner of the school playground, the rock garden is centered around a statue of St. Francis of Assisi, several varieties of plants, rocks brought in by parishioners and students, and a large rock with a fountain. Two additional large rocks sit in front of the garden on which visitors can sit for prayer and reflection. An engraved granite plaque says, “In honor of Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, Ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.”

Students from the parish school spent the days before the bishop’s visit cleaning up around the school yard. They picked up yard clippings and put them into the compost bin, helped Safford Monument workers with the rock fountain, and tidied up the flower beds.

After Mass and the garden blessing, Bishop Paprocki toured the school and visited with the students. He also posed for a photo next to the bulletin board created by principal Julie Davidson. On the bulletin board were individual packets of the candy “Pop Rocks,” which students were encouraged to take home the day of the visit. Davidson hoped the play on words would help students learn the bishop’s name.