One of the artistic and spiritual treasures of the Church of St. Mary, Gate of Heaven (run by the Montfort Priests), in Ozone Park, NY, is a set of paintings that form a Way of the Cross that tells two stories. The first story is that of the great drama of the saving death of Our Lord. The second story depicted in the paintings is that of the conversion of a Roman centurion who proceeds, by means of his encounter with the Mystery of the Cross of the Lord, to change from a man who knew nothing of the Lord to that man whose insight into the saving death of Christ has become so clear that he could attest, “truly this man was the Son of God.”
For the Grace to hold onto faith, even in the time of trial (Grace prayed for at the end of the 9th Station)
This Stations of the Cross, we believe you’ll agree, is very different than many found in parishes. The paintings are in black and white, relying on lighting and shading to contribute to the station discussion. In the video, each painting elaborates on aspects that are not normally the focus in praying the Stations. We believe each family should view the DVD Video, and pray together. We know you’ll find it very moving.
Unfortunately, the Queen of All Hearts are unable to include the entire video in the Spiritual Insights section. However, the DVD is available at a Lenten Discount on Montfort Publications. This (8 minutes) Video Preview only shows the Introduction and the 9th Station. See the DVD for the entire Stations of the Cross. It will influence your Spiritual Prayer Life!
Join Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM, in prayerful reflection upon these images and the profound spiritual truth that they communicate to us.
Paintings: Leonardo Stefanelli
Video Production Manager: Fr. Peter D’Abele, SMM
Music Arrangement: Bill Montvillo
Stabat Mater Sung By: Schola Sine Nomine
Montfort Publications
Bay Shore, NY
