The location of The Way of the Cross is around the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, a chapel dedicated to children who have died due to disease or violence. It was thought that a special chapel of remembrance would help parents grieve and recover from such loss and to be a place to remember their children on the date of their birthday or death. For those who are in need, a place in the interior columbarium is available for free.

The pathway with the 14 Stations of the Cross was conceived in 2001 by sculptor Dorothy Ralph Gager and Bishop John-David Schofield of the diocese of San Joaquin. But the stations would be different for they would each (insofar as possible) include children – young innocents – in the design. Dorothy retired as a teacher to devote full time to the project.

The work included much research, soul searching and journaling. "I filled ten journals of impressions, prayers and insights," Dorothy said. "We took a trip to Rome and Florence as well as studied the antiquities of the Metropolitan Museum of New York. Friends also provided me with informative art books."

She sculpted a set of 14 stations as 8" x 10" clay models to study as a sort of storyboard. The models were assessed and critiqued by as many as possible, so that this work would have maximum impact on the public who might use it. The next phase was to sculpt the set again in 12" x 15" size. The Crucifixion piece which was 30" x 36" had to be sculpted on the breakfast table because it wouldn't fit through the door of the upstairs studio. "We lived with the Crucifixion for many weeks," Dorothy said. "When it was finished and was carried through the double front door, I felt like a Divine guest had left."

After this final set in clay was completed, Lester Harries' Foundry cast them in bronze. The bronze stations were installed along the pathway low to the ground so children and people with disabilities can easily view them. Each station is set in a unique rock foundation that complements the composition of the station. Blossoming perennials and ferns caress each rocky base. The pathway was designed and landscaped by Nick Corgiat.

As the path meanders around the Chapel, the vegetation changes in mini-ecosystems. At the entrance gate there is a mass of azaleas and pine. At Station IV, the major landscaping changes to deciduous marked by a towering Liquid Amber tree. Several white and crimson crepe myrtles are planted on the opposite side of the path.

The path continues through a grove of healthy palm and olive trees. At Station VII (the Crucifixion), a stand of redwood trees appears. The Crucifixion is mounted above a 5' x 7' granite altar and is flanked by a Weeping Chinese Willow and wisteria. The last two stations are set under tall pines and tree ferns. At various interludes one can find a redwood bench to sit and meditate. The stations are open to the public and are illuminated at night.

St. James parishioners and others funded the project by paying for memorials at each station in the name of loved ones. On the day of the dedication, more than 100 people in attendance. Bishop John-David Schofield of the Diocese of San Joaquin blessed and dedicated each station. Guests went on guided walks, taking delight in reflective music performed on harp, guitar and recorder.

An out-of-state benefactor who dedicated a station to the memory of her daughter commented, "It's all very emotional, you can stand and look all day and see something more."

A parishioner said she found comfort in Bishop Schofield's prayers at the stations depicting the three falls of Jesus. "He said that people aren't allowed, graciously, to fall in this world, but that Jesus allows us to." She dedicated Station IV, "Jesus Meets His Blessed Mother" to the memory of her mother who died at age 104.

Since the dedication, we have seen many individuals and families come and walk the path at all times of the day and of the week. Several children have been memorialized by having their names engraved on the paving stones of the outdoor altar at the 12th Station (the death of Jesus on the cross). It is not unusual to look out the windows of the chapel of the Holy Innocents to see someone praying at the altar.

Future plans include giving a brochure to each of the 30 police chaplains with the Fresno Police Department, so that anytime someone loses a child they can be invited to come and walk this path of prayer and healing.

"Dorothy's work has already blessed hundreds in more ways than we can ever know as they connect with the Heavenly Father who knows what it is to lose a child to violence, injustice, and death," says Father Raines.

Dorothy Gager adds, "Most of all, the project was soaked in prayer. I never felt alone in the studio, in fact one day I felt like a whole choir of angels sang. Another day, when I was finishing the body of Christ on the cross, I was carefully massaging the skin with a soft brush and baby oil when emotion flooded over me as the CD that was playing sang "Kyrie Elieson". It became my prayer of relinquishment."