A bronze Christ was once here. Stolen. This is the Gablitzer Kreuz. We stand before a stone cross. It’s a simple structure. Yet its story is rich. It’s a testament to faith. A reminder of suffering.
The Gablitzer Kreuz stands on the Linzer Straße. For centuries a wooden cross marked this spot. It was a simple wooden cross. People called it the Fieberkreuz or Pestkreuz. They prayed here. They sought protection from disease. The plagues ravaged Europe. The cross was a symbol of hope. A place of solace.
In 1937 a new cross rose. This stone cross replaced the old wooden one. Josef Lang carved a beautiful Christ. He used fragrant Zirbelholz pine. The new Christ was magnificent. Tragedy struck. Someone stole the beautiful Christ. A replacement was made. This time it was bronze. That too vanished.
The current Gablitzer Kreuz bears a metal Christ. It stands proudly. It stands tall. The inscription reads Oh you my people what did I do to you? Did I grieve you answer me Easter 1953. It commemorates the thefts. It reminds us of faith. It reminds us of loss. And it reminds us of resilience.
The original Zirbelholz Christ was recovered. It now resides in Gablitz’s Heimatmuseum. You can see it there. It’s a remarkable piece of history. It’s a treasure. The Gablitzer Kreuz is more than a simple cross. It’s a living history. It’s a story of faith. It’s a story of loss. And it’s a story of hope. It is a poignant symbol. It stands as a reminder. A reminder of the enduring power of faith.