Friday, April 10, 2020

Day 364-Good Friday- St. Anthony's Chapel-Virtual Stations of The Cross-Love and Peace out of Death and Pain


On this Good Friday I am re-posting  the Station of the Cross experience at St. Anthony Chapel in Troy Hill. I am sharing the memory during this time of "stay home and stay safe." The beauty and peace that this little chapel offers is so needed as we all navigate through this pandemic. Although we can not visit the chapel this Easter season, the stations can be viewed live today from 12 pm to 1 pm   on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pghshrines.

 I  long to see that little chapel in Troy Hill that I discovered several years ago (see Day 35 )  but I am looking forward to this new experience of a virtual Station of The Cross.  The stations of the cross (the telling of the story to Calvary) is a beautiful experience at St. Anthony's Chapel  with life sized sculptures. It reminds us that  love and peace can come out of death and pain. 




Front of chapel with relics
Reflection
St. Anthony’s Chapel is famous for having  over 5000 religious relics or remains contained in ornate cases. This is  the largest collection of religious remains in the world second only to those found at the  Vatican. In addition, there have been reports of many healings in this little chapel. 


Two years ago, The Stations of the Cross, which are a reflection on  Jesus' walk  to the  crucifixion was very moving  in this chapel.  The life sized hand carved statutes were surrounded by  beautifully stained glass  windows in a European  style  chapel.  It might have been because the scenes were so large  that I felt present during the walk to Calvary.

These life sized  carvings were  imported from Munich Germany. The only  other set is located in Germany.

You can join St. Anthony's live stream on Fridays at 7 pm and Sunday afternoons at 3 pm and 12 pm Good Friday at  www.facebook.com/pghshrines or www.facebook.com/SaintAnthonyChapel .

Stations Facebook Live.  Just as moving as being in the chapel. 

I recommend a visit to St. Anthony's Chapel in Troy Hill   when this pandemic is over but until then, enjoy the virtual experience and stay safe.

 
Spiritual Reflection
He..knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine” (Luke 22:42)

Other Sources