LOREM IPSUM DOLOR
The Second Level of Paintings:
The Way of the Cross
The second level of paintings, placed above the Seven Deadly Sins, symbolizes sinful humanity being purified by the Redemption (the coming of Christ). These paintings represent the 14 Stations of the Way of the Cross.
This level is a summary of two Latin writings ; “O Crux Ave Spec Vitae” (celebrate the unique source of hope) and “Mundi Salvs et Gloria” (for the salvation and the glory of the world). The color red in these paintings, for Msgr. Maillard, represented the blood that was poured on the cross to take away the sins of the world. He had created a link between the first and second levels of paintings and this is why he wrote on both walls ; “Blood of Jesus, wash me! Blood of Jesus, purify me! Blood of Jesus, save me!“
Msgr. Maillard would often use one of his parishioners as a model for his paintings and sometimes he would make sketches of that person because he liked the form of his/her nose, eyes, ears or mouth. The following is a list of people who were used as models in Msgr. Maillard’s Way of the Cross:
According to Dolorès Huel (Mrs. Alphonse Charbonneau): Georgette Laville was the model for Mary in the fourth station of the Way of the Cross. – “Jesus meets His Holy Mother.” (This information was also confirmed by Mr. Paul Laville, brother to Georgette.)
Mr. Dumont posed as model for Christ in the Way of the Cross.
According to Father Raymond Carignan (who was informed verbally by Sœur Jean de Kenty),
Père Pilon O.M.I., rector of Collège Mathieu and a very good friend of Msgr. Maillard’s, modeled as Ponce Pilate in the first station of the Way of the Cross. – “Jesus is condemned to death.”
Simon the Cyrene, in the fifth station of the Way of the Cross, was a Mr. Gauthier, who delivered merchandise from the train to the stores. This man was known as being very kind and serviceable ; he would go out of his way to help his fellow man. – “Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His cross.”
Veronica, in the sixth station of the Way of the Cross, was a woman who would care for and help women give birth in their homes. Msgr. Maillard identified her with Veronica, who had compassion for the sufferance of Jesus, because she also had compassion for the sufferance of others. – `Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.`
Each station in the Way of the Cross has a significant spiritual meaning. Msgr. Maillard identified his parishioners in his religious teachings.
