Detail of the Fifth Station. Image photographed by Stefan Hagen.

INTRODUCTION

A REFLECTION ON JESUS' PASSION
by the Rev. Thomas Faulkner

The Way of the Cross was developed as a devotion by pilgrims to Jerusalem whereby prayers were offered at “stations” or sites associated with Jesus’ Passion and Death.
 
Though it has been adapted to local custom throughout the centuries, use in the Episcopal Church today increasingly involves selecting contemporary imagery to represent Jesus’ pain and suffering.
 
The Rev.Thomas Faulkner created a new sculptural interpretation of the Way of the Cross for the Meditation Chapel at the 2003 General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Minneapolis. Tom is a priest of the Diocese of New York and a recognized contemporary sculptor. For eight months he was the American Red Cross officer in charge of the chaplaincy at the temporary morgue at the site of the terrorist attack on theWorld Trade Center in New York City. The sixty chaplains he supervised blessed the remains recovered; conducted memorial liturgies; and provided spiritual counsel for fellow workers. His Way of the Cross stations are inspired by that ministry.
 
We stand at a difficult and dangerous time in our nation’s history. The attacks of September 11, 2001, forever changed the sense of security we enjoy as Americans. They took us into a war in Iraq and against terrorism that is diminishing our civil rights at home and calling into question our nation’s long-standing international authority. Yet the fear and suffering experienced at Ground Zero was met by the healing power of God’s Spirit, and the Spirit continues that transforming work. The truth of God’s love for us in Christ is the bedrock from which Tom has created these sculptural interpretations of the Way of the Cross.
 
 
The Project
For several years Tom has been conducting quiet days using art to center meditation and prayer. He has offered these as Priest Associate at St. James’, New York City, and as Chaplain for the New York chapter of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross, and in his work with youth. They have proven very powerful for participants. His intent is to lead retreats, conferences and quiet days at sites throughout the country where the Way of the Cross is installed. Tom’s stations can travel in whole or in part to cathedral, institutional, and parish settings.
 
The Way of the Cross Stations have been installed at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis for Lent 2004 where Tom will lead devotions. This will be the beginning of a series of installations throughout the country. If you would like to arrange for a retreat, conference or quiet day for your parish or diocese, or for additional information, contact Tom directly:
 
The Rev.Thomas Faulkner, 212-288-2784 or metrohope@mac.com,
or at 131 East 66th Street,New York,NY 10021.