Fourteen magnificent Carrara marble sculptures depicting the journey of Jesus Christ to his crucifixion, form the centrepiece of the 'Sacred Garden' in the peaceful grounds of The Monastery at Glen Osmond.
These beautiful works of art and devotion were originally acquired over fifty years ago when the Passionist Order created a 'Stations of the Cross' walk in their monastery grounds of 'Mary's Mount' in Goulburn, NSW. When the Passionists sold their property at Goulburn in 1974, and out of consideration for the local donors, the sculptures were handed on to the Sisters of Mercy, who re-erected them at their Novitiate.
In 2001, the Passionist Community at Glen Osmond became the custodians of these exceptional works, when the Sisters of Mercy themselves moved from Goulburn.
The Sacred Garden Project has entailed the major task of conservation and restoration of these sculptures. In addition, new plinths were designed and built and historic walls and pathways restored. Attractive gardens on the property have been designed and landscaped to create a suitable environment for the sculptures.
Each sculpture is a tableau of three or four figures. Designed in the workshop of the highly esteemed Italian painter and sculptor, Franco Miozza, they were carved in the Ferdinando Palla Studio in Pietrasanta, Italy.
The complex beauty, grace and movement of these sculptures encapsulates the spirit of Italy and the Renaissance tradition.
The National Trust of South Australia has given its name and approval to the project, recognising the Sacred Garden to be of aesthetic and historical heritage significance.