Marian Helper Winter 2012-2013

Shrine in 1960, we had already picked the location for each of the stations. We only had to wait for God to send us a benefactor.” In 1997, the Marians took a pragmatic step toward fulfilling the dreamwhen the Congregation reserved a large section of Eden Hill for the stations. About 10 years later, a couple — who wish to remain anonymous — came along. They were inspired to initiate the project by outdoor stations they’ve seen during pilgrimages to some of the world’s most famous shrines. “When we saw Eden Hill, we thought it would be a very nice setting for life-size Stations of the Cross, to proclaim the whole restoration of mankind through Christ’s salvific graces,” the couple said. From the expressions and body language of the sculptures to the layout of the Stations, the couple worked closely with the Marians and the sculptor. In his opening remarks, Bishop McDonnell called the statues “magnificent. The Way of the Cross reminds us that God loves us so much that He gave us His only begotten Son, and that Christ loves us so much to lay down His life for us.” At each of the 14 stations, Bishop McDonnell led with a meditation on the mean- ing of the station. The reflections were those of Pope John Paul II, who as Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, gave the Lenten retreat in 1976 for Pope Paul VI and the Roman Curia (the Holy See’s administrative body). In his comments prior to the blessing, Bishop McDonnell noted how the “God of all” has saved us through the death and Resurrection of Jesus. Therein lies the “spiritual value” of the Stations of the Cross, the bishop said: “[They] vividly remind us of the outpouring of love God bestowed on us as sin- ners. They remind us of our need to follow the Way of the Cross with all we have, all body, mind, heart, and soul.” Redeemed ‘by His blood’ In the opening prayer, Bishop McDonnell noted this love: “Christ Jesus has loved us and redeemed us by His blood. With praise and thanksgiving to Himwho has died and risen for us, let us call upon Him by saying, ‘O Lord, you have redeemed us byYour blood.’” That served as the refrain for the assembled pilgrims. At each of the stations, after Bishop McDonnell read the meditation of Pope John Paul II. Marian novice Tim Childers and Br. Chris Alar, MIC, alternated with reading the response. “[The Stations] vividly remind us of the outpouring of love God bestowed on us as sinners,” Bishop Timothy McDonnell said. “They remind us of our need to follow the Way of the Cross with all we have, all body, mind, heart, and soul.” Station of the Cross on Eden Hill. The Marians invited Bishop McDonnell to dedicate and bless all 14 life-size Stations on Sept. 14. SIXTH STATION SEVENTH STATION EIGHTH STATION NINTH STATION TENTH STATION