Abbey of Regina Laudis: Stations of the Cross

On First Passion Sunday, April 7, 2019 we celebrated the publication of The Artist Remembers: Mother Placid and the Stations of the Cross, a unique collaboration between Mother Placid Dempsey, O.S.B., who carved these cherry-wood reliefs over a twenty-year period, and renowned journalist and friend, George Krimsky. Their many conversations about how these carvings came to be in the Regina Laudis chapel in Bethlehem, CT, and the accompanying full-page photographs, have resulted in a stunning art book that offers a profound meditation on the 14 Stations of the Cross as they illuminate the human experience. The Stations have accompanied our community in prayer for decades, holding a place of honor on the walls of our monastery chapel and becoming familiar and much loved by guests and visitors.

The magnificent full-page photographs of the powerful carvings of each individual station are accompanied by Mother Placid’s intimate reflections on the genesis of these works of art and her process as an artist in the creation of each of the carvings. Also included is a section documenting Mother Placid’s personal story.

The Artist Remembers is an art book, and much more. As Mother Placid’s words of reflection bring the reader into her experience of the mystery of each Station, one becomes aware of one’s own experience of these same mysteries. Thus the book becomes a unique source of meditation, through art and accompanying text. And for those who knew Mother Placid, it is a chance to hear her voice again!

The text was written by the late George A. Krimsky, a world-renowned journalist, who interviewed his good friend Mother Placid on several occasions.

Guest at book launch

The Station photographs were taken by Patrick de Warren, professional photographer and filmmaker, who lives in New York City and Paris. He too knew Mother Placid very well, and is the great nephew of the Abbey’s Co-Foundress, Mother Mary Aline Trilles de Warren.

At the book launch on First Passion Sunday Mother Dolores Hart, who first identified the importance of these carvings, did a reading of Mother Placid's reflections on each station while our guests were captivated by each image. The afternoon became a time of prayer and reflection on the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord for all who participated.

The book The Artist Remembers: Mother Placid and the Stations of the Cross is now available by mail order. Call The Hickory Stick Bookshop at 860 868-0525.

Gallery of Stations Book Launch at the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, April 7, 2019