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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Monday, 22 March 2021. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
Artists of St Leonard's Church, Watlington, present the 14 Stations of the Cross
The relationship between art and churches is an ancient one, and we know that some of the earliest churches were full of colour and images.
More recently churches and especially cathedrals have become great locations for art with some stunning works by well-known artists from around the world being exhibited. Following last year's brilliant Art Week at St Leonard's, Watlington , a local artist (Frances Ackland-Snow) approached the rector, Revd Daniel Thompson, with an idea about holding a Stations of the Cross exhibition (14 images of Jesus' journey to his death).
Having both done similar projects in other churches, they felt it would be a fantastic thing to do in Watlington, with the idea being that Jesus' journey be re-enacted, with people pausing for reflection at each station.
Daniel and Frances hope that the community will be able to use the experience to reflect on their own journey through lockdown. Daniel says,
"Watlington lies along one of the most ancient roads in Britain, parts of which would have been used by pilgrims in the past, so the idea of a journey that encompasses both a physical and spiritual dimension is one we are perhaps more used to than we realise. "The Bible itself is full of 'symbolic' journeys, from Noah's search for dry land and Moses's wanderings in the wilderness to the wise men from the East; and in many ways, Jesus' journey to the cross mirrors this idea.For Jesus, this journey must have been one the toughest journeys he had to take, but for Christians this journey carries an extra burden, the weight of human sorrow and the corruption of the world, being carried in a very literal sense through the narrow streets of Jerusalem. "
Although the origins of the Stations of the Cross seem to go back to St Frances of Assisi, many scholars believe there were pilgrimages to different locations of Jesus' Jerusalem journey much earlier and that this traditional walk up the via Dolorosa or Way of Sorrows may even pre-date the Gospels. Daniel concludes,"Here in St Leonard's, with the help of ten local artists, we are aiming to capture some of the power of this ancient journey.
It may be that for you following the Stations is a part of your normal Christian devotion, or perhaps you come with a much less defined understanding of faith.
You may even not believe at all, but whatever you believe you are all welcome to appreciate the power and skill of these incredible local artists. "The exhibition is open to view daily from 1400 - 1600, from Passion Sunday (21 March) to Good Friday (2 April).
30-minute meditations at 1100 and 1900 will be held during Holy Week (30 March - 2nd April) and all activity with follow Government guidelines regarding COVID-19. For more information, visit St Leonard's website.