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Sisters offer ‘Way of the Cross’ DVD
archived from: 2013-03-15
by: MICHAEL DERN

In a newly mastered “The Way of the Cross” DVD, the Sisters of St. Joseph in Baden depict the suffering of Christ during the time leading up to his crucifixion through original music, images and narration dating back to the early 1980s.

“I consider it timeless; it is part of our life today,” said Sister Sally Witt, congregation archivist.

The project began with Sister Jean Ortenzo, who intended to articulate parallels between Catholicism’s telling of “The Way of the Cross” and the troubles of contemporary society.

Catherine Busch, a former St. Joseph sister, remembers the hot summer days photographing hand-carved Stations of the Cross at St. Anthony’s Chapel in Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood. The photographs were compiled and accompanied by original music composed by Sister Ruth Sattler.

To enhance the quality of the story, Don Wadsworth narrated a script written by Sister Janet Mock. The story was completed in slide-tape format and ready for presentation to the faithful.

The re-edited version of “The Way of the Cross” originated when a sister requested the material for her ministry work. Sister Sally questioned the request since an archive is not intended to loan out material. Closer inspection revealed that material was missing, which was later recovered from a sister who was, at the time, doing ministry work in Florida.

After professional guidance and the efforts of many, the decades-old material is now available for purchase as a DVD for $14, plus a $2.50 shipping and handling fee.

Ordering information is available by calling 724-869-6591, or visiting the sisters’ website, www.stjoseph-baden.org, and clicking “Ways to Give” for a printable order form.

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