The Sculptures · Gardens at St. Patrick's · Maysville, Kentucky

The Sculptures

Life-size, and one of a kind.

They are life-size. That is the first thing visitors notice, not photographs of the Stations of the Cross, not illustrations or reliefs, but figures cast at human scale: the weight of the cross, the curve of a grieving face, the stillness of the tomb, placed in an open garden where anyone can walk beside them.

The original molds no longer exist. These sculptures are singular. They will not be replicated anywhere in the world.

A bronze figure of Christ carrying the cross, catching warm light against the evening garden.

The Stations

A journey in fifteen moments.

The Stations of the Cross trace the final hours of Christ’s life, from his condemnation to his death and burial. For centuries, the faithful have walked this path as an act of devotion and remembrance. At the Gardens at St. Patrick’s, the walk is set in bronze and open to the air.

Each station is a distinct moment. Each figure was made to be approached, not observed from a distance. The path asks visitors to slow down, to look closely, and to stay as long as they need.

The monumental cross overlooking the garden path at dusk.

The Fifteen Stations

Walk the path, one station at a time.

Bronze sculpture of Jesus condemned to death — Station I of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station I of XV

Jesus is condemned to death

Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd. The sentence is given. The journey begins.

Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size

Bronze sculpture of Jesus taking up his cross — Station II of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station II of XV

Jesus takes up his cross

The cross is placed on his shoulders. He accepts it and begins the walk toward Calvary.

Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size

Bronze sculpture of Jesus falling the first time — Station III of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station III of XV

Jesus falls for the first time

The weight of the cross brings Jesus to the ground for the first time. He rises and continues.

Bronze sculpture of Jesus meeting his mother — Station IV of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station IV of XV

Jesus meets his mother

Mary stands along the route. Mother and son meet eyes. No words are recorded.

Bronze sculpture of Simon of Cyrene helping carry the cross — Station V of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station V of XV

Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross

A man from the crowd is pulled from the road and made to carry the cross alongside Jesus.

Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size

Bronze sculpture of Veronica wiping the face of Jesus — Station VI of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station VI of XV

Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

She kneels and offers a cloth, the only comfort available to her. Christ receives it without breaking stride.

Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size

Bronze sculpture of Jesus falling the second time — Station VII of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station VII of XV

Jesus falls a second time

Weakened, Jesus falls again beneath the cross. He rises once more and presses forward.

Bronze sculpture of Jesus meeting the women of Jerusalem — Station VIII of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station VIII of XV

Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem

A group of women weep along the route. Jesus pauses and speaks to them directly.

Bronze sculpture of Jesus falling the third time — Station IX of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station IX of XV

Jesus falls a third time

Near the end of the journey, Jesus falls for the third time. Those around him watch as he stands again.

Bronze sculpture of Jesus stripped of his garments — Station X of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station X of XV

Jesus is stripped of his garments

At Calvary, his garments are taken from him. He is left with nothing before what comes next.

Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size

Bronze sculpture of Jesus nailed to the cross — Station XI of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station XI of XV

Jesus is nailed to the cross

The cross is laid flat. Nails are driven through his hands and feet. He is raised up.

Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size

Bronze sculpture of Jesus dying on the cross — Station XII of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station XII of XV

Jesus dies on the cross

After three hours on the cross, Jesus speaks his final words and dies. The crowd falls silent.

Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size

Bronze sculpture of Jesus being taken down from the cross — Station XIII of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station XIII of XV

Jesus is taken down from the cross

His body is lowered from the cross and placed in the arms of his mother.

Reto Demetz · Bronze, life-size

Bronze sculpture of Jesus being laid in the tomb — Station XIV of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station XIV of XV

Jesus is laid in the tomb

His body is carried to a nearby tomb, wrapped in cloth, and sealed inside. The stone is rolled across the entrance.

Bronze sculpture of the risen Christ — Station XV of the Stations of the Cross at the Gardens at St. Patrick’s.

Station XV of XV

The Resurrection

The stone is found rolled away. The tomb is empty. He has risen.