ST. PATRICK PARISH BLESSES NEW STATIONS
THELEAVEN.ORG | VOL. 45, NO. 26 | FEBRUARY 16, 2024
Artist’s goal is to capture the human side of Christ in his paintings By Moira Cullings moira.cullings@theleaven.org
K
ANSAS CITY, Kan. — This Lent, the story of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus will take on new life at St. Patrick Parish here. The church installed a new set of Stations of the Cross at the beginning of February in honor of the parish’s 150th anniversary. It’s a beautification project that pastor Father Mark Mertes hopes will have a ripple effect. “I feel that churches should be open to the public during the day,” he said. “Because you never know who’s going to come in, and you never ONE OF THE THINGS know who’s going to encounter the I ALWAYS LIKE Lord. “To me, this enTO DO WITH ALL hances that goal.” The Stations MY WORK IS TRY were painted TO CAPTURE THE by artist Jason Jenicke, who lives HUMAN SIDE OF in Kentucky but grew up at St. PatCHRIST. rick. Ross Heiman created their JASON JENICKE mountings. ARTIST They were blessed by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann during a dedication on Feb. 9. “By your favor of blessing, draw near with your mercy to your faithful people,” the archbishop prayed, “who devoutly recall the mysteries of Christ’s passion. “Grant that those who follow his footsteps and bearing their cross patiently may receive as their reward the vision of Christ in his glory, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever.” The evening also included the praying of the Stations through Clarence Enzler’s “Everyone’s Way of the Cross” and a presentation by Jenicke about his work. The art was made possible thanks to 14 parishioners or groups of parishioners who covered the cost of each Station, as well as others who donated to the project. “It’s very heartwarming,” said Father Mertes. “I think people are always ready to be generous to create a holy place, a prayer space.” >> See “STATIONS” on page 10
LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann blesses the new Stations of the Cross at St. Patrick Church in Kansas City, Kansas, Feb. 9. The Stations were painted by artist Jason Jenicke, who grew up as a member of St. Patrick Parish.