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April 22, 2000
Way of the Cross hosts Good Friday observancesBishop leads serviceat renovated stationsBy SARA SYVERSON Journal Staff Writer NEW ULM -- People gathered at the Way of the Cross, on Good Friday as Bishop Raymond Lucker, of the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm lead a Stations of the Cross service. The Way of the Cross is located behind the New Ulm Medical Center on the hill. The outdoor collection of 14 stations unfolds the story of Jesus Christ's trial, crucifixion and death through the lifelike statues housed in small stone enclosures. The path leads through the wooded hillside to a small brick and stone Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother near the top of the hill. Services were held at hourly intervals Friday, beginning at 1 p.m. with the final service at 4 p.m. Bishop Lucker lead the 3 p.m. service at the Way of the Cross. "We had quite a crowd today," said Bishop Lucker, "We saw family groups here. We want to emphasize this is not just a tourist attraction, but a place of prayer." The Way of the Cross dates back to May of 1903. The shrine was built in 1904 by the Sisters of the Order of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, who completed the project initiated by Fr. Alexander Berghold, the first Catholic priest to serve the New Ulm area. These sisters owned and ran Loretto Hospital and St. Alexander Home for the aged. Loretto Hospital became the present day New Ulm Medical Center and the home for the elderly was removed from the site. The site has undergone significant renovation over the past few years. The shelters for the statues have been repaired, and the statues themselves repainted. The Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother has been fully renovated, according to Lucker. It was rededicated in November, after the same artist who repainted the statues restored the interior of the chapel to nearly its original look. A mural behind the altar, painted several years after the opening of the chapel, was incorporated in the design. The restoration of the site continues. Some landscaping is being considered for the site, said Lucker. The removal of certain trees at the site and brush in certain areas is being considered. An area by the Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother may be cleared of a couple trees to be able to see the City of New Ulm better, Lucker said. Plans also include grass seeding work to be done near the chapel. "We're trying to make an effort to keep it as much like it was in 1904 as possible," said Lucker. Plans may also include grading a side road leading down to the Chapel of the Sorrowful Mother and creating a parking space for one or two vehicles. The space would be used for people who may have a challenging time walking up the path to the chapel. All of the work at the Way of the Cross will be completed when the Diocese receives the money to do it, said Lucker. The Diocese owns the land with the Way of the Cross. The Knights of Columbus helped to provide funding for a project. The Knights of Columbus also help to maintain the grounds, according to Paul Schnobrich, of New Ulm, who is with the Knights of Columbus.
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