News Release #324

Released to media on April 13, 2000

New Ulm – The observances of Holy Week and Easter Sunday are at the heart of the Christian faith. However, unique to the Catholic community is the spiritual pilgrimage reenacting the historic events of Christ’s suffering and death in Jerusalem. The Way of the Cross, a devotional tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, is a series of stations that represent various scenes in the Passion of Christ.

On Good Friday, April 21 at 3:00 p.m., Bishop Raymond A. Lucker, bishop of the New Ulm diocese, will lead a public prayer and meditation on the 14 Stations of the Cross, walking along the pathway marked by lifelike images portrayed in statuary, that retell the story of Christ’s trial, crucifixion, and death. This event will be the first diocesan devotional observance at the site since the October 1999, rededication of the nearly 100 year old shrine. People of all faiths are invited.

Pope John Paul II, in his ‘confession of sins and asking for forgiveness’ on behalf of the whole church, offers the Catholic community a model of reconciliation in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Bishop Lucker explains, "TheWay of the Cross gives us a tangible moment to reflect on the hurt we have brought upon others in our own lives, as well as in the life of the church. Just as Christ suffered, died, and arose from the dead, so must we understand the message of death to our own sinfulness and renewal of our spiritual lives."

The Way of the Cross is a shrine of the Diocese of New Ulm located on the campus of the Bishop’s residence and the Catholic Pastoral Center in New Ulm. The $100,000 restoration of the shrine included the ‘Sorrowful Mother Chapel,’ the statuary and housing for 14 stations, and scheduled for completion in the future are landscaping, and efforts to make the shrine accessible for people with disabilities. Restoration of the shrine has been dependent on voluntary contributions of over $75,000 from individuals and organizations from across the state of Minnesota and beyond. The Knights of Columbus have been committed to the maintenance and restoration of theWay of the Cross through countless hours of volunteer service and fund raising activities.