When the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace in New Hampshire sadly closed a few years ago, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate generously offered us the outdoor Stations of the Cross.
The Brothers eagerly lugged our trusty Lull to the site and spent several days dismantling and transporting the entire marble set to the monastery. The stations climaxed at an enormous crucifix and the statues of Our Lady, Saint John, and Saint Mary Magdalen. After a few years in storage, this breathtaking scene is finally being reassembled here at the monastery. Under the direction of long-time friend Mark Fisher, mastermind of the reconstruction project, the Brothers were able to raise the Crucifix to its new location on November 30, 2024.
It is no coincidence that this event occurred on this day, the feast of Saint Andrew. Hours before, the Roman Martyrology, read in the monastery refectories, recounted the life of this great apostle. So eager was he to offer his life for Christ that he saluted his cross of martyrdom with these words: “O most beautiful Cross that was glorified by carrying the Body of Christ! Glorious Cross, sweetly desired, ardently loved, always sought, and finally prepared for my heart that has so long awaited you. Take me, O Cross! Embrace me. Release me from my life among men. Bring me quickly and diligently to the Master. Through you, He will receive me, He, Who through you has saved me.”
Saint Andrew remained hanging on the cross for two days before surrendering his soul into the hands of his Master with the words: “Lord, eternal King of glory, receive me hanging from the wood of this sweet cross. Thou who art my God, whom I have seen, do not permit them to loosen me from the cross. Do this for me, O Lord, for I know the virtue of Thy Holy Cross.”
May this magnificent Crucifix, which now welcomes visitors to the monastery against the backdrop of the scenic valley, be a daily example and prayer for us all to also know, live, and die in the “virtue of the Holy Cross.”
