Gardens
Mass Times
May Through October
Weekdays: 12 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. &
12:00 noon
please click here for the
complete Mass Schedule
Quick Links
Home
Volunteer
Events Calendar
Directions to The Grotto
Hours of Operation
Festival of Lights
Festival of Lights on Twitter
The Gift Shop
Via Matris
This area is dedicated to Mary and showcases 34 wood carvings that depict particular events in the life Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The wood carvings are the work of Professor Heider of Pietralba, Italy. They were carved from white pine and were at sometime painted. However, with generous donations they have since been restored to their natural wood state and placed in new housings.
Sorrow 1-Mary accepts in faith the prophecy of Simeon-
Her heart filled with joy, Mary presents her Son Jesus in the temple. Simeon accepts Him in his arms and utters the prophecy:“This Child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed- and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword- so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.”
Sorrow 2- Mary flees into Egypt with Jesus and Joseph-
Forced to endure the hardships of a long journey, and becoming a foreigner in a strange land, Mary and her family flee to protect the child Jesus from those who would destroy him.
Sorrow 3- Mary seeks Jesus lost in Jerusalem-
Jesus disappeared for three days in Jerusalem at the age of twelve, causing his parents, especially Mary, agonizing sorrow.
Sorrow 4- Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary-
As Jesus makes his way to Calvary, condemmed to crucifixion, He meets His mother, Mary. He is bruised, derided, cursed and defiled and her sorrow is absolute as Jesus drags His own cross up the hill of His crucifixion.
Sorrow 5- Mary stands near the cross of her Son-
Mary stands near her dying Son unable to minister to him as he cries “I thirst”. She hears him promise heaven to a thief and forgive his enemies. His last words, “Behold your mother,” charge us to look on Mary as our mother.
Sorrow 6- Mary received the body of Jesus taken down from the cross-
The passion and death are over but for his mother, grief continues. She holds His body in her arms.
Sorrow 7- Mary places the body of Jesus in the tomb, awaiting the resurrection-
The most tragic day in history ends, Mary alone in sorrow, as she lays the body of her Son, in the tomb.
