The Passion of Christ as Portrayed in Churches Throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City

Intermountain Catholic

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IC photo by Barbara S. Lee

The Seventh Station of the Cross, Jesus Falls the Second Time, is found in the Utah desert on a hill above San Felipe Church in Wendover. The parish’s unique, outdoors stations are not yet finished, and will eventually have gold ceramic images and numbers. Even now, up to 60 people join Pastor Father Shouraiah Pudota every Lenten Friday evening to make the Stations of the Cross. Fr. Pudota told the Intermountain Catholic the Stations on the hill make a triple impression. "They emphasize the desert experiences Jesus undertook during his life – the whole idea of going apart from everyone and into the desert to pray." The desert setting also speaks to us of the terrible suffering Jesus experienced on his way to Calvary, the storm clouds reminding us of the coming opening of the sky at the death of Jesus. "Set here, so close to the bright lights and the casinos, which tempt us with a life that is largely one of fantasy, sin, and unfulfilled dreams, the Stations of the Cross are signs and symbols of holiness." Fr. Pudota said in today’s world, people desperately need signs of holiness and hope. The Wendover Stations are a parish project, with members of the parish paying for the materials and constructing the crosses, which are fixed into the hill in cement. It is hoped the entire project will be finished by Easter, which is celebrated this year April 16. People come here day and night, Fr. Pudota said. Many people who come are tourists who stop to pray on the hill. IC photo by Barbara S. Lee