The new colorful mosaic Stations of the Cross at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Gaylord make you feel like you are walking alongside the Lord into eternal salvation. Diocese of Gaylord Vicar General Father James Hayden explains, “People can walk with these Stations and intimately encounter Christ’s sacrifices for humanity so as to open their hearts to God’s love and mercy.”
Our Lord’s Passion is vividly illuminated in these Stations. They portray the humanness of Christ working to do God’s will.
“I truly feel like I am on the journey with Jesus as I walk from Station to Station,” reflects Cathedral parishioner Jean Rooyakker.
Spiritual Nourishment
The Cathedral’s Stations are a personal donation from Father Hayden who offered them for spiritual nourishment for the faithful. He hoped that the Stations would vividly articulate God’s loving mercy through the sacrifices he encountered during his Passion.
The donation originated when Cathedral Rector Father Matthew Wigton was seeking new Stations that authentically illustrated the sufferings of Christ for the 50-year-old Cathedral.
The captivating 24x16 inch Stations took eight months to complete. The actual mosaics were designed roughly 90 years ago by Demetz Art Studio in Murano, Italy, which was founded by Vicenzo Demetz Figilo in 1872.
Church Supply, and Brian Wojkowiak,
St Mary Cathedral Maintenance Supervisor,
install one of the Stations at the cathedral.
The Stations embody the truth of Christ’s suffering through the vivid colors and background of “genuine gold leaf mosaics on a honeycomb panel with a brass trim,” Father Hayden describes. Adding to the authenticity of the Passion is the dark oak frame, topped with a gold cross bearing the specified Roman numeral and a caption below each Station selected by Father Hayden during production.
“I chose Demetz Art Studio because the artisans live in Italy, and you cannot find this level of artistic production in the States.” The production is a captivating witness that draws the faithful into deeper reflection of Christ’s final hours and how those final hours boldly define his love for humanity.
“The new Stations of the Cross at the Cathedral are striking, beautiful and inspirational. I am drawn to them every time I enter church, especially because of the bright red color, which is the sash that Jesus wears over his white garment,” adds Jean.
These beautiful Stations are a channel for inward spiritual reflection of Christ’s final hours. Reflecting upon each Station can deepen the Lenten journey. “God is the creator of beauty and it is through our relationship with God that humanity can emulate beauty through our own creations,” says Father Hayden.
“We can create, guide and redeem, but only in relationship with God. These Stations are a witness to the beauty that is possible when humanity opens their hearts to fulfilling God’s will.”
To encounter the authentic Lenten spirit, the faithful can meditate and offer spiritual reflection at each Station while considering Christ’s relentless efforts to do God’s will. There is significant proximity between each Station, so the faithful can deeply reflect on each of the 14 Stations.
“I enjoy praying the last two decades of the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary, walking the way while I look at these Stations and pray my Hail Marys. I am sure they will have an inspirational impact during Lent when together we pray the Stations of the Cross,” continues Jean.
“We are so grateful for the new Stations of the Cross. They add much beauty to the Cathedral and help elevate our hearts to Jesus. They will definitely be a fount of inspiration for the faith life of many for years and years to come,” offers Father Wigton.
“The Stations were dedicated in mid-December and are for our devotion to remember the Way of the Cross and the Passion that our Lord endured for our salvation,” adds Bishop Jeffrey Walsh in a video message.
Father Hayden’s Vocational Calling
Prior to his priestly ministry, Father Hayden developed an interest in art, which has continued for 60 years.
“I entered ministry later in life, after professional endeavors as a business owner of soft serve ice cream stores [and as an] educator and school psychologist with the Detroit Public Schools,” he states. These ventures afforded him monetary success, which he uses in service to and support of others.
“I have been collecting art for 60 years because I was inspired by its beauty and reflection of God,” he says. Art channels the love and eloquent beauty of God. It inspires and speaks to the human heart as it does for Father Hayden.
Religious art is not the only genre of interest for Father Hayden as he enjoys elements and pieces of contemporary styles, and his monetary means and travel interests prior to ministry exposed him to the diverse artistic landscapes.
“I was fortunate to have the resources to travel during my 30s and 40s. I lived my retirement during these years; my travels offered me the opportunities to witness beautiful art,” he reflects.
“God has blessed me so I can bless other people.” Father Hayden explains about his donation.
Serving God
and his mother after his ordination.
One of five children from Detroit, Father Hayden’s parents always encouraged his faith. However, it was not until his 40s and with the direct encouragement of Bishop Robert Rose that Father Hayden pursued priestly formation.
“I realized that I am either going to serve myself or others. I was always a spiritual person, and it is faith that gives you the courage to take the next steps. Through God’s grace that was the seminary.”
Father Hayden frequented Florida prior to priesthood and considered serving the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Given the surplus of clerics there, he was denied acceptance.
This was not a deterrence as his desire to do God’s will returned him to Michigan and ultimately, his ordination by Bishop Patrick Cooney in 1991 at the age of 47. Now 80, Father Hayden continues his service to the faithful as the Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia and Vicar for Retired Clergy within the Diocese of Gaylord.
His ministerial pursuit embodies inspirational elements and, like the Stations, exemplifies the importance of rising from fallings or shortcomings. “I did not let my application denial in Florida define me. I was determined to serve others through priestly ministry.”
The strides of determination are narrated in the new Cathedral Stations: Christ, who so loved humanity, rose from falling three times in order to bear the cross of eternal salvation.
The beauty of the new Cathedral Stations is a reflective beauty for the loving mercy God holds for all creation. It is the same reflective beauty God offers the faithful to be in persona Christi through the loving ministry of Father Hayden.
