New outdoor stations of the cross at Batu Gajah parish
Earlier this year, Fr Michael Dass, parish priest of the Church of St Joseph, initiated the construction of fourteen new outdoor Stations of the Cross around the parish grounds. Built mainly using stone and cement, the stations were completed in March.
Apr 25, 2025
BATU GAJAH: Earlier this year, Fr Michael Dass, parish priest of the Church of St Joseph, initiated the construction of fourteen new outdoor Stations of the Cross around the parish grounds. Built mainly using stone and cement, the stations were completed in March.
On March 9, the Bishop of Penang, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, blessed each of the fourteen stations. The blessing was witnessed by Fr Michael, assistant priest Fr Konstend Gnanapragasam, and parishioners. After the Sunday Mass, the congregation also prayed the Way of the Cross at each of the newly completed stations.
Fr Michael shared that the total cost of constructing the outdoor Stations of the Cross was approximately RM18,000. He acknowledged and thanked Furdy Junior Fernandez, who served as both the architect and contractor for the project, and Francis Wong, who undertook the landscaping work.
The Way of the Cross, is a traditional Catholic devotion in which individuals or groups reflect on the Passion of Christ by praying at each of the fourteen stations that depict key moments of His suffering and death.
Fr Michael expressed his hope that both parishioners and pilgrims would be able to experience a fresh, unique, and powerful encounter with Christ’s suffering by praying the Way of the Cross outdoors. He believes this setting offers a more immersive and personal connection with Jesus—often more impactful than within the confines of a church. The outdoor environment also encourages deeper reflection on both the physical and emotional aspects of Christ’s journey, with nature providing a contemplative backdrop for prayer.
Since their completion, parishioners and visiting pilgrims have taken time to pray at the outdoor stations, especially on Fridays during Lent. Recently, a group of pilgrims from Kuala Lumpur visited and prayed the Way of the Cross. Taking turns to carry a large cross, they journeyed through the stations, experiencing a richer, more multi-sensory encounter of Christ’s Passion that deepened their connection to His love and sacrifice. --Bernard Anthony
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