A walk through Melbourne reveals a series of bronze figures. This is the Way of the Cross. These sculptures mark an ecumenical walk. The walk goes through the City of Melbourne. It remembers Jesus’ journey to the Cross.
Melbourne City Churches in Action initiated this project. It is often called MCCIA. The aim was to create a walk. This walk would happen on Good Friday. It would remember Jesus’ walk to the Cross.
The Cross Sculpture is not just one piece. It comprises 14 stations. They tell the story of Jesus. It begins with the Last Supper and ends at the Cross. These stations are outside various city churches. Two are even in St Patrick’s Cathedral grounds.
At each Cross Sculpture station, people pause. They offer prayers and readings. They share reflections and songs. The first walk occurred in 2000. Recent walks have drawn over 3000 people. These people worship together. They witness to the people of Melbourne.
Anna Meszaros is the artist behind these works. The Cross Sculpture dimensions are 80cm x 65cm x 50cm.
Let’s explore some key stations of the Cross Sculpture. The Last Supper is at St Francis Church on Lonsdale Street. Jesus in Gethsemane is in St Francis Church garden. It is at the corner of Elizabeth and Little Lonsdale Streets. Jesus before the council is at Cross-cultural Church on Swanston Street. Jesus before Pilate sits outside Wesley Uniting Church on Lonsdale Street.
The Cross Sculpture continues its path. Jesus whipped and crowned sits at St Peter’s Church on Eastern Hill. Jesus takes up his cross is at St Patrick’s Cathedral. It is at the corner of Gisborne and Albert Streets. Simon helps Jesus. Find this at St. Patrick’s Cathedral adjacent to the Main Entrance.
More stations of the Cross Sculpture await us. Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem is at Trinity Lutheran Church. It is in Parliament Place. Jesus nailed to the cross is along Collins Street. Look opposite St Michael’s Church. Jesus and the good thief sits at Scots Church on Collins Street.
The Cross Sculpture nears its conclusion. Jesus speaks to Mary and the beloved disciple at Baptist Church. Find this on Collins Street. Jesus dies at St Paul’s Cathedral. See the Swanston Street entrance. Jesus is buried. This is at St Paul’s Cathedral Flinders Street entrance. Jesus is raised to life. This is at St John’s Church in Southgate.
The Way of the Cross walk begins at St Francis Church. It ends at St Paul’s Cathedral. This links the churches. They walk together on Good Friday. The Cross Sculpture serves as a powerful reminder. It commemorates Jesus’ journey. It brings people together in faith and reflection.