Emaus - 130 Years of the Blessing of the Stations of the Cross made by Abbot Pfanner Founder of the CPS and the CMM

By Sr. Caroline Mjomba, CPS

Statue of Abbot Francis Pfanner

What a great joy to celebrate every 20 August, on the Feast of St. Bernard the way of the cross that Abbot Francis Pfanner the Founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious blood (CPS) and the Congregation of the Mariannhill Missionaries (CMM) made in South Africa in Emaus and this year marks 130 years since the construction. 

The story of the Emaus Stations of the Cross is a tale of devotion, sacrifice, and spiritual endurance that began with Abbot Francis’ arrival at Chimper’s Nek – Emaus – on 24 April 1894. Three months later, on July 25, 1894, he penned a letter to a priest friend, sharing the completion of the Way of the Cross. 

The work, which took four weeks, led to the top of a 130-meter high rocky crag that arose from his new mission. Abbot Francis, armed with only primitive tools—a hatchet, a small crowbar, and a machete—carved out the path with his own hands, removing thorns and briars along the way.

From the summit of what became known as Calvary Hill, visitors were treated to a splendid view:

Chimper’s Nek on the right, other hills on the left, a vast, well-watered plateau below, and the distant forests of Lourdes. The clefts of the hill were home to a variety of flowers, medicinal herbs, and the ever-present aloe. 

Way of the cross made 130 years ago

The crowning feature of this spiritual journey was the 12th Station, marked by a tall Cross cemented into a natural cleft running down to the rock's foot. This Cross was a gift from German friends, the Balthasar Josten family of Neuss, and the life-size Corpus that adorned it was donated by Mrs. Sohler, the widow of a beer brewer in Straubing.

The Cross, coated with chrome paint, depicted Christ not dead, but dying, with slight markings of blood. This unique representation of the Crucifixion left a profound impression on all who ascended the crag to see it up close. 

It became a landmark, visible from miles around, and the postal coach passing through Emaus often stopped to allow passengers to climb Calvary. The newspapers took note, and on 2 January 1895, Abbot Francis wrote in the Salzburg diocesan paper:

“This giant cross preaches not only in our small Emaus and along the postal road but also to other people far and wide.”

The Stations of the Cross were blessed by Abbot Francis on 20 August 1894, the Feast of St. Bernard. Sister Angela records that on this day, Abbot Francis celebrated Mass outdoors and delivered a lengthy sermon. The event was inclusive, with everyone invited, including the Weslyans. 

Sisters and schoolchildren from Lourdes attended, but the wagon carrying food for the occasion did not reach Emaus, as the horses shied and spilled everything on the road. Sister Edmunda swiftly cooked several pots of maize, ensuring that all were satisfied.

Abbot Francis was dedicated to the Way of the Cross, praying it early every morning in all weather conditions. In his later years, when frailty took its toll, Sisters Angela and Salome would assist him along the path.

The inspiration for the Way of the Cross was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. It had matured over the years as Abbot Francis walked with the Lord, realizing that only Christ’s Cross and Resurrection offered salvation. He understood that meditating on the Cross provided the strength and peace of mind he needed, and it became a constant challenge for him to grow in the likeness of his Savior. Towards the end of his life, he concluded each Station with the words:

"Like Jesus, so also I, for Christ had said to the Emmaus disciples that the Messiah had to suffer everything he did in order to enter into his glory."

Today, many pilgrims find solace in praying the Way of the Cross at Emaus, following in the footsteps of Abbot Francis.

Father Founder’s Instruction on the Stations of the Cross:

“The best method is to choose a certain mystery of the bitter sufferings of Jesus Christ and to make it a single meditation on it. From it, you draw a definite resolution and try earnestly to carry it out during the day… in this way, you get, by persistent perseverance, to the desired goal and draw beautiful fruits from these meditations of the Cross.” 
(Spirit of the Founder, pg 266)

Sources: Sr. Annette Buschgerd, CPS, and Fr. Anton Roos, CMM

We are praying for you! - Novice Judith Missa