Archdiocese gathers students for annual pinwheel planting

Students from St. Therese School sing during the service. Students from Annunciata, St. Agnes of Bohemia, St. Patricia and St. Therese Schools joined student leaders from Ignatius College Prep for the Archdiocese of Chicago's 15th Annual Prayer Service for Child Abuse Prevention and Pinwheels Planting on April 17, 2026. The annual event takes place at the Healing Garden at Holy Family Parish, 1080 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. The Healing Garden is a place dedicated to the healing, recovery and reconciliation of child abuse victims and their families and the larger Catholic Church community. It has served as the site where the community comes together each spring to recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Michael Hoffman, chairperson for the Hope and Healing committee and victim-survivor, speaks during the event. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Student leaders from St. Ignatius College Prep provide music during the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Students from St. Patricia hold up their pinwheels. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Student leaders from St. Ignatius College Prep pray during the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Deacon Glenn Vanek, member of the Hope and Healing Committee and member of the Internal Review Board, speaks during the event. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Students from St. Agnes of Bohemia School plant pinwheels in the garden. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Students from St. Therese School plant pinwheels in the garden. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Students plant pinwheels in the garden. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Students from St. Patricia sing during the service. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)