
Croix sur la montagne à Laniel
Year : 2016
Photo credit : Christine Brézina
The Way of the Cross Near Baie Dorval
The Stations of the Cross in Laniel are the property of Mr. John Dorval and his spouse and were erected by Mr. Dorval himself on the mountain facing the lot located at 147 Baie Dorva. The place is beautifully maintained and, although visitors must hike a little more than 1 km up the mountain, it is easy to access.
At the entrance to the Way of the Cross is a Christ and wooden crucifix covered in beige sheet metal to welcome the pilgrims. The 14 stations were given to Mr. Dorval by a lady from Montréal who had gotten them from a church that was closing its doors. Underneath these stations is an older handmade version made by Mr. Dorval himself.
Mr. Dorval built the pathway and transported over 120 tons of crushed rock to cover the ground. The Way of the Cross was inaugurated on August 26, 2002, by Father Michel Vézeau. Some one hundred pilgrims were present for the inauguration. Since then, an estimated 30 to 50 people visit the stations every year. On the mountain, at the end of the 14 stations, there are three white crosses representing Christ and the two thieves. The crosses are made of delimbed trees and are painted in white. The largest of the crosses (in the middle) is 11 feet high. The other two are 8 and 9 feet high. A statue of the Virgin Mary was erected near the crosses.
Flowers were planted at each station, at the foot of the crucifix, at the entrance to the Way of the Cross and around the statue of the Virgin Mary. A rest area and chairs await the visitors.