Way of the Cross

Leading up a gentle incline of Loretto Hill, adjacent to the New Ulm Medical Center, is the site of the Catholic shrine known as the Way of the Cross.

The shrine, built in 1904, retells the story of Christ's trial, crucifixion, and death in life like images portrayed in statuary.

The fourteen stations, grotto, and Lady of Sorrows Chapel were created by the Sisters of the Order of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, who owned and managed Loretto Hospital and St. Alexander Home for the aged. The Loretto Hospital has become the present New Ulm Medical Center. The home for the aged has been razed from the site. What remains is the Way of the Cross. The shrine is now owned by the Diocese of New Ulm.

Each station consists of a brick structure with a small peaked roof topped by a Celtic cross.

Cement pillars on each side support a rustic arch completing an enclosure for the statuary tableau, representing various scenes in the Passion of Christ. A nameplate below bears the title of the scene. The statuary for these fourteen stations, as well as the shrine portraying the Agony of Our Lord located at the entrance of the Way of the Cross, were imported from Bavaria.

The project was initiated by Father Alexander Berghold and Sister Flavia of the Poor Handmaids. A great deal of credit must go to Sister Flavia's untiring efforts and leadership in accomplishing the building of the shrine.

Construction began in 1903 and was completed in 1904. The Sisters were responsible for excavating and preparing much of the construction site. They pushed wheelbarrows up the hill, transporting cobblestones used in the construction of the stations, pathway, and rock walls.

Ideally located midway up the Loretto Hill you will find the grotto in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes as she appeared to Saint Bernadette.

At the summit is the chapel dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother. At this point you may enjoy a beautiful view of the Minnesota River Valley.

The object of the Stations of the Cross, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is to help Christians make, in spirit, a pilgrimage to the scenes of Christ's suffering and death in Jerusalem. Devout individuals may be seen passing from Station to Station, kneeling at each to meditate on the scene.