MAYSVILLE, Ky. (WKRC) – As Christians around the Tri-State reflect on Good Friday with a day of fasting and prayer for man, there is a new destination for reflection in Maysville. That’s where the Gardens of St. Patrick’s are taking shape as a place of spiritual pilgrimage.
The gardens are designed to be a peaceful and tranquil setting. The family behind the project hopes it will become a regional, national or even international place for people to reflect, pray and become closer with God.
Good Friday, the day Christians mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is traditionally observed as a day of fasting and prayer in recognition of Christ’s sacrifice. (WKRC)
Jerry Lundergan, a Maysville native and the creator of the Gardens of St. Patrick’s, said the idea began as a small, tranquil garden but grew over the years into a larger project centered on the final days of Jesus’ life.
“We tell the story of Christ on his last days on this earth here, at the gardens of Saint Patrick’s, the night before, when he was in the Garden of Gethsemane, with his three disciples,” Lundergan said.
Visitors walking the 2,500-foot path follow the traditional 14 Stations of the Cross, beginning with Jesus being condemned to death. It features the 15th station featuring the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.
Each station features life-size bronze sculptures that were hand-crafted in Italy.
“When you look at these sculptures, you see the the eyes, you see the eyebrows, you see the fingernails. I mean, it’s very much in the detail with Christ’s veins,” Lundergan said.
Lundergan said the sculptures are one-of-a-kind and that the molds used to make them were destroyed, meaning they will not be recreated.
While he said the sculptures and garden are for everyone, Lundergan said he hopes the story of Christ resonates with visitors.
“I hope they understand what Christ really did for us, what he really did for us to suffer and to die for us so we could all join him in a later life. That’s what I hope when they feel,” he said.
An Easter service is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and will be livestreamed.
The gardens are set to officially open May 12.
An unveiling was held earlier this week, with guests including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, former President Bill Clinton and former University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari. Clinton reportedly became friends with Lundergan when Lundergan chaired the state Democratic Party.
The family said any money made from the gardens will be invested in Saint Patrick’s Church and School.
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