Family’s crucifix collection has new home

VANCOUVER - Redemptorist Fr. Babu Mathew is hoping his parishioners feel the love this Easter season.

A display of about 75 crucifixes from all over the world has been installed this month in the choir loft at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Vancouver.

“My hope is that the parishioners who come to see this will be able to know the depth of Jesus’ love,” said Mathew as the crucifixes were hung April 10. “The cross is a powerful symbol.”

The crucifixes were originally collected by Ed Klewiada from Portland, Ore., a son of Polish immigrants, an artist and a member of the U.S. Air Force. His family said he had an appreciation for art produced by different cultures, and he collected crosses during trips to Europe and Asia. After he died in 2000, his vast collection of crucifixes was divided between family members.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help parishioner Henry Ewanchuk had seen the crucifixes in Klewiada’s home and arranged for the parish to display them.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have any record of where they all came from or how old they are,” said Mathew.

The eclectic array includes crucifixes made of wood, metal, stone or plastic, of various sizes and both traditional and modern styles. “Some of them look like they’re from a different century.”

Mathew hopes parishioners and visitors will continue to enjoy the collection as a permanent display in the church.

The display includes the following prayer from St. Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorists:

“My Lord, Jesus Christ,

You have made this journey to die for me with unspeakable love;

And I have so many times ungratefully abandoned You.

But now I love You with all my heart;

Pardon me, my God, and permit me to accompany You on this journey.

By the cross with you to stay,

There with you to weep and pray

Is all I ask of you to give.”

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