Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross, or the Via Dolorosa, are any series of fourteen images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion. The objective of the stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ as told in Holy Scripture and popular Tradition.

Commonly, a series of 14 images will be arranged in numbered order along a path, along which worshippers—individually or in a procession—move in order, stopping at each station to say prayers and engage in reflections associated with that station. Our photo above shows Jesus falling the third time, traditionally the ninth station. It was donated in memory of Catherine May Johnston. This presentation is an introduction to the eventful history of our Stations of the Cross and newspaper articles from the time revealing the history of the artworks. There is much to be thankful for.

Our Stations of the Cross

Our beautiful Stations of the Cross were imported from Italy and painted in oil by noted Italian artist Luigi Morgari as long ago as 1915 and as such they occupied pride of place in our first wooden church, built in 1913. In 1975 in an attack on our church some of the paintings were damaged. The damage was part of a series of attacks on our church which culminated in our church being locked at all times except when Mass was scheduled.

Article from The Banner: 1975

Via Dolorosa

The Latin title refers to the Stations of the Cross: the road of suffering along which Christ made his final journey on Earth to the place of Crucifixion: it means the Way of Sorrows. As you would all know, the Stations of the Cross at St Mary’s Church suffered at the hands of some person or persons unknown, who committed acts of vandalism and sacrilege, the police are investigating, and we hope that the person responsible will not be available to do any further damage; meanwhile, we are faced with the problem of replacing the irreplaceable, of restoring works of art and religious significance that can never be the same again.

Some history

The Stations of the Cross in our church consist of frames carved in wood surmounted by a wooden cross, and the pictures are original oil paintings that must have been imported from Italy. They were certainly in the former wooden church in 1916, and it seems likely that they were in position when that church was opened on March 1st, 1913. The oil paintings were the work of Luigi Morgari, who was born in Turin in 1857. The following information, gained from the Art Library of the National Library of Melbourne will give some idea of his reputation as an artist:

He studied at the Albertine Academy: he was well known for his paintings, and especially his frescos. He decorated many churches - the sanctuary at Rho, not far from Milan, the church at Bussana, the dome at Bobbio, and he was commissioned to do many other works that some of your readers will have seen: The Town Hall of Turin, The Hotel d’Europe, the dome over the grand staircase of the Bank of Naples, and others of similar standing. He was awarded the silver medal at the Exhibition of Leon XIII for his painting of the Holy Family.

Restoration

Negotiations are almost completed to have this work done; but it will be a long and difficult operation. Of course, this will be costly but we are fortunately covered by insurance except for the first $50.00. Some parishioners have already offered to contribute to the cost of restoration. The good news is that an expert from the National Gallery has offered the opinion that the paintings are capable of being restored.

This article was first printed in the last ever edition of The Banner, the St Mary's monthly Parish paper in June, 1975.

Article from The Canberra Times: 1976

The doors of one of Australia's most beautiful churches have been closed to prevent vandalism. St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Ascot Vale, Melbourne, opens only for services or when a priest is in attendance. Vandals have broken statues, slashed valuable paintings and scrawled obscenities on walls.

The Canberra Times Tuesday 20th January 1976

Article from The Advocate: 1915

On last Sunday (25th July 1915) Very Rev. Dean M'Carthy, V.G., visited St. Mary’s Church, Ascot Vale, for the purpose of blessing the new Stations of the Cross, which, were erected at a cost of £100. The Dean was received by the Hibernians in regalia, and presided at the Mass, at which a large congregation assisted.

Addressing the congregation, the Dean spoke on the devotion of the Way of the Cross, and reminded the people that beautiful and artistic as were the Stations, unveiled that day, they were not for ornament but for use, and exhorted the congregation to frequently perform this richly indulgenced devotion. At each Station he gave a brief and fervent address on the subject depicted.

Fr. May, on behalf of the congregation, welcomed and thanked the Dean, and said the people received him with all honour that day, not only as the representative of the Archbishop, but also for personal reasons. Wherever the Dean laboured he was remembered and beloved, because of his unselfishness and humility. There was no harder worked priest in Australia, nor one who was more accessible. Clergy and laity rejoiced that he was selected by the Archbishop as his Vicar-General. He thanked the various subscribers and donors for the Stations, which make a valuable asset in their already devotional church. He thanked Messrs. Bowen and Pomeroy for donating oak for a confessional, and Mr. and Mrs Lee (Maribyrnong) for their generosity in donating £30 for its construction. In the afternoon at 3.30 Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given, the altar being tastefully decorated by Mrs. J. Sprigg. A large number of the friends of the late Miss Mc Namara assembled. Three of the Stations were erected to her memory.

Refreshments were served in the hall to visiting subscribers, and a balance-sheet was read by Fr. May. The Stations were much admired by the visitors, and large numbers performed the Way of the Cross in the afternoon.

Description

The Stations were procured at Credgington's Art Gallery. The frames are of massive solid oak (Gothic), from the designs of Messrs. Kempson and Conolly, and were made most skilfully by Mr. Tom O'Donnell, a parishioner, who also made the pulpit. The polishing was done by Mr. M. Sullivan, also a parishioner, and the brass plates were designed by Mr. James Hateley, of Collins-street.

Advocate Saturday 31 July 1915

(The information above is presented by the St Mary's Parish History Group.)