The Way of the Cross, built into a New Ulm hillside in 1903 and 1904, depicts the trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It’s the same drama portrayed in this year’s movie, The Passion of the Christ, but it’s conveyed using lifelike statuary crafted in Bavaria. Fourteen "stations," moments experienced by Christ on his way to the cross, punctuate the story.

The centennial commemoration includes a Mass of Celebration at 10 a.m., Saturday, in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New Ulm, a procession of the congregation to the Way of the Cross about a mile away, a brief ceremony at the shrine at 12:15 p.m., and a lunch at 1:30 p.m. at St. Anthony Middle School in New Ulm.

Officiating at the Mass will be the Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt, Bishop of the Diocese of New Ulm.

Located on a tree-studded hillside behind the New Ulm Medical Center, the shrine includes the 14 stations, a grotto and Lady of Sorrows Chapel. Sisters of the Order of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ completed the shrine in 1904. The entry is midway up the Fifth North Street hill, known as Loretto Hill, named for the Catholic hospital that became part of the present medical center in the early 1980s.

A pioneer New Ulm priest, Father Alexander Berghold, and Sister Flavia of the Poor Handmaids are credited with initiating the creation of the shrine. Sisters of the Poor Handmaids pushed wheelbarrows up the hill, hauling cobblestones to build the stations, rock walls and pathways. The Knights of Columbus maintain the shrine today.

"The shrine isn’t a "landmark" in a traditional sense, since it’s hidden by trees and the medical center," said George Glotzbach, a member of a committee that’s helped organize the celebration. "But it draws visitors from around the U.S., some intent on making a spiritual pilgrimage tracing Christ’s footsteps," he said.

A memorial to Father Berghold, a central figure in the building and development of the Diocese of New Ulm, is being constructed near the entrance to the Way of the Cross. It will contain a life-size bronze statue of the missionary priest.

For further information contact Tom Holzer at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, (507) 359-2966 or George Glotzbach, publicity committee member, (507) 354-2097.

New Ulm Journal