Tuesday, August 11, 2009

The Stations of the Cross

As we were driving home from Watkins Glen, we travelled through Olean, NY, home of St. Bonaventure University. I've driven through before but didn't have time to stop to take pictures at the enormous cemetery there. Luckily, Dave was game, so we took a break so I could take some photos.
St. Bonaventure Cemetery is home to a stunning collection of the Stations of the Cross.
The Stations of the Cross tell the story of the Passion of Christ in 14 steps. It's a common Lenten practice for Catholics to follow the Stations as a reflection of Christ's sacrifice. I'm a lapsed Catholic myself, so my interest in these was purely from an artistic standpoint. They are incredible.
The Stations at St. Bonaventure were constructed in 1926, and they are showing their age beautifully. I processed all of these in my beloved Lomo (A2D, link in sidebar).

Station I: Jesus is Condemned to Death

Station II: Jesus Receives the Cross

Station III: The First Fall
Station IV: Jesus Meets His Mother


Station V: Simon of Cyrene Carries the Cross


Station VI: Veronica Wipes Jesus' Face with Her Veil
Station VII: The Second Fall

Station VIII: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

Station IX: The Third Fall
Station X: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments


Station XI: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

Station XII: Jesus Dies on the Cross
(Note: The Twelfth Station is built into a beautiful grotto with a statue of The Crucifixion on top. More on this tomorrow.)

Station XIII: Jesus' Body is Removed from the Cross

Station XIV: Jesus' Body is Laid in the Tomb

11 comments:

pat said...

The artistry in these is amazing!!! How long have they been there?

Kelly said...

Super cool. Brianna goes to St. Bonaventure. We'll have to check this out next time we go to visit her.

Esther said...

Wow, these tell such an incredible story. I love the coloring in these.

Steph said...

What a neat share.

Suzy said...

I'm also wondering how long they've been there? These are fantastic! I'd love to see these in person! TFS!

Reds said...

Wow - that is one beautiful cemetery! TFS!

Lou said...

I can imagine the Good Friday Stations ceremony that these outdoor monuments provide. Absolutely gorgeous.

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful place! My 11yo DD is an alter server. I will show her these later, she'll love them!

Angela2932 said...

I love the way you processed these, and how nice of you to share the entire series with us! That's a lot of uploading:)

Nicki said...

Thank you for sharing - the artistry of these is beautiful.

Angela J. Prieto said...

This is stunning! Love your photos Amy!