Fr Kevin Hennessy, parish priest and community leader of the Passionist Fathers
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At the Monastery where 14 marble stations of the Cross are now safely stored.
The marble Stations of the Cross, which for so many years were part of the deep Christian faith tradition, first at the Passionist Fathers Monastery on the Mary’s Mount Rd and then at St Michael’s Novitiate in Kenmore St, Goulburn, are now securely stored in a rear portico at St Paul’s Passionist Retreat Centre on the outskirts of Adelaide.
A visit to the centre was made recently by Mrs Adriana Vigone of Goulburn, who says the statues are being held under cover until restoration work can be carried out.
“I was told that after many years of neglect and vandalism, this would cost in the vicinity of $35,000.”
After expressing the concern felt by many people in Goulburn that the statues should have remained here because some were locally donated, Mrs Vigone said there was some sympathy in this regard but it was pointed out that the donations were made to the Passionist Order.
“I don’t know when the statues will be publicly displayed but it’s clear that the restoration work will need to be carried out before that happens.”
Mrs Vigone said she did see the garden area where they will be put and says it is simply beautiful, reminding her of the neatly kept grounds that were the Mary’s Mount Monastery.
“The Passionist Fathers in Adelaide each February celebrate a big festival dedicated to their patron, St Gabriel, and this brings in visitors from throughout Australia and all over the world, including Italy, from where the order originates.”
Any offers of help with the restoration can be directed to St Paul’s Retreat, 15 Cross Rd, Glen Osmond, South Australia or on the net http:\\www.stpauls.mx.com.au