The Stations of the Cross date back to the sixteenth century. They were created by Franciscan monks to help people go to Jerusalem in their imaginations and follow the path that Jesus is thought to have taken on the final day of his earthly life. Over the centuries, the exact number of stations and the events they depict have varied. The images are drawn both from the Biblical accounts and from traditional stories.
Local sculptor, Chloe A. White, has created a new set of Stations for St. Benedict’s which draw from a slightly different set of images than usual, starting with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying to be excused from his ordeal “If this cup cannot pass by, but I must drink it, your will be done!” (Matthew 26:42)
These remarkable works will be displayed in the church from March 6 to April 19. The exhibition will be open to the public Tuesday through Thursday 10 am to 12noon and on Sundays March 17 and March 24 from 1pm to 3pm.
Then there will be an Artist’s Reception on Sunday, March 10 at 4 pm. This will be an opportunity to meet Chloe A. White and to hear from her experience of creating the Stations. Bob Pelfrey, Professor Emeritus, Cuesta College will also give a short talk about the icons.
Services of the Way of Peace, praying the Stations of the Cross, will be held on Weds April 3 at 9:15, Tues April 16 at 7:15, Weds April 17 at 9:15 and Friday April 19 at 2:15.