By Ruby Thomas, Record Staff Writer
EMINENCE, Ky. — Catholics have prayed the Stations of the Cross at St. John Chrysostom Church in Henry County, Ky., for the last 125 years with the help of 14 lithographs that depict Christ’s suffering and death.
The images had begun to deteriorate over time, but thanks to contributions from parishioners and other donors, the historic prints have been restored. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz blessed the newly-reinstalled images on March 3, the first Friday of Lent. After the blessing, he joined parishioners in praying the Stations of the Cross.
The parish, which has about 85 registered families, was established in 1873 and Masses were first celebrated in the homes of local Catholics. The first Mass in the church was celebrated in 1890, according to historical information on the Archdiocese of Louisville’s website.
Deacon Brendan “Butch” Kinsella, who is assigned to St. John, said historical documents written in Latin and later translated to English show the Stations of the Cross were hung in the church in February of 1892.
Over the years, the images had become hard to see, said Deacon Kinsella. Some were torn and the paint was damaged.
Last July, the parish sent the lithographs to the Chicago Conservation Center, where they were cleaned and restored. St. John received the repaired images on Feb. 27.
“It was important to preserve them,” said Deacon Kinsella, noting their long history at the parish. Parishioners are “really happy with them.”
The restoration of the stations was the latest of several renovation and expansion projects at the parish.
The church began a major renovation in 2013, which included rebuilding the sanctuary and the addition of a confessional. The renovation also connected the parish hall to the main church with an addition that houses an office and a new sacristy. Archbishop Kurtz also consecrated a new altar in August of 2015.
Deacon Kinsella noted that in addition to their concern for the church, St. John parishioners are also generous in their assistance to charitable organizations, such as Water With Blessings, which provides water filtration systems to people in developing countries.
The church also helps support the Henry County Help Center, which assists needy families.
The Way of the Cross is prayed at the parish every Friday at 7 p.m. during Lent.
