The works of art that attract the most attention are the near life-sized carved wooden figures of the Way of the Cross. They are true masterpieces, which were imported from the city of Munich in Bavaria and were obtained from the Royal Ecclesiastical Art Establishment of Mayer and Co., Munich.
The Stations of the Cross attract and fascinate the onlooker, so remarkable are for the anatomical correctness of the figures and realism of their facial expressions. The pain and sorrow visible in the face of Christ is a powerful reminder of the love Jesus showed for us in taking away our sins.
These same Stations remained in their original crates stored in the churchyard for several years until the addition to Saint Anthony Chapel that was being constructed to display them was finished. It is sad to note that over the years they have suffered pious abuse such as breaking off the thorns from Christ’s Crown and the fingers from statues, as well as neglect and improper care.
In the early days of Christianity, the faithful retraced our Lord’s sorrowful journey; from Pilate’s court, through the streets of Jerusalem, to the location of the crucifixion and ending at the burial site on Mount Calvary.
The years following Christ’s death brought the universal conversion of great masses of people. Since most people could not make the trip to Jerusalem, the Catholic Church instituted the devotion known as the Stations of the Cross. The fourteen “Stations” help parishioners to recall the principal events of Christ’s last hours.