christ – Snapping The Globe

The Unwanted Christ

Some of the best times are to be had at of the most prominent attractions in certain cities.

Would you ever visit Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower?

But sometimes, it’s the lesser-known attractions that beckon me. Yes, I would never miss the Eiffel Tower, but you’ll also find me at the Sewer Museum…did you even know there was one in Paris?

After a day of driving around Joshua Tree National Park, I was searching for something else to occupy my time. There were many attractions to experience in the Palm Springs area, but I had learned of a quirky attraction out in the desert.

The Desert Christ Park.

From Palm Springs, it is a short drive along Highway 62 to Yucca Valley, the town named after the yucca palm or as many know it, the Joshua Tree. Not far from the main road, I found the park’s entrance next to the Living Hope Church.

While most people (like myself), imagine that the park is affiliated with the church next door, I learned very quickly that it is not.

After parking my car, I discovered a park volunteer sitting at a picnic table painting bricks with names. Friendly and welcoming, she directed me to the kiosk to learn a bit about the park’s history, however, quite the talkative individual, she gave me a brief overview.

Desert Christ Park was established in 1951 with the collaboration of Reverend Eddie Garver and sculptor, Antone Martin. Martin, an engineer from Inglewood, California, decided to create statues of Christ out of steel-reinforced concrete. After designing a 10-foot, five ton “resurrected Christ” he planned to install it on the rim of the Grand Canyon as a symbol of peace to all mankind…the government decided otherwise. Searching for an alternate location, he was offered a place on Reverend Garver’s five acres on the southern facing slope of the valley. Since the Reverend’s vision was to create a Christian-themed park, this was the first step in achieving that dream.

The “unwanted” Resurrected Christ was brought to its current location one week before Easter in 1951 and the Desert Christ Park was dedicated on Easter Sunday. More snow-white sculptures, portraying scenes of Christ’s life and teachings, followed during the next ten years, including a three-story, 125-ton facade depicting the Last Supper. While the first three statues (the “unwanted” Christ, the Tomb and the Last Supper) were placed in the area behind what is now the Living Hope Church, the remaining statues were relocated next door to the present day park.

After finishing my conversation with the nice volunteer, I made my way through the park, enjoying each of the setting’s statues. The pearl-colored effigies against the bright azure sky and yellow desert sand were a stark contrast, yet, as I stood amongst them, I realized how quiet and peaceful the entire environment was. Only the sound of birds in the trees, their branches brimming with small, hanging birdhouses, filled the air, until the crunch of sand beneath my feet sounded as I walked between the scenarios.

**The Last Supper**
Matthew 26:17-30
*When the evening came of Christ’s last supper, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”*

**Garden Of Gethsemane**
*In the “Garden of Gethsemane,” on the hillside, Jesus kneels in prayer before his crucifixion, while his disciples Peter, James, and John slept.*

**Samaritan Woman At The Well**
John 4:4-26
Jesus reveals himself to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.

**Sermon On The Mount**
Matthew 5:1-16
*This is the most famous sermon Jesus gave including his teachings.*

**Blessing Of The Children**
Mark 10:13-16
*Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hand upon them and blessed them.*

**Let The Children Come To Me**
Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

**Jesus Visits With Mary And Martha**
Luke 10:38-42
Jesus visited; Mary listened to Jesus while Martha prepared food. Martha complained about doing so much while Mary was not and Jesus said to her that learning his teachings was more important and wouldn’t be forgotten.

**Christ’s Blessing Of Mankind**
*With upraised hands, Christ is blessing all the people.*

Finally, I made my way behind the church. As I gazed upward toward the acclaimed “unwanted Christ” sitting high on the hill, I decided that I was going to take a closer look. Noting the semblances of trails leading up to the statue, I resolved to find the best one amid the loose gravel and scrub. With a little perseverance, I finally stood at Christ’s base, contemplating his outstretched hands, while he admired the beauty of his creation in the valley below!

**Christ’s Ascension**
Luke 24: 50-53
*Jesus lifted up his hands and blessed the Disciples, then began rising into the sky, and went into heaven.*

At the base of the hill, I observed the “Tomb” which is a depiction of the resurrection of Christ. Three statues stand outside the Jesus’ vacated tomb and an armless Mary Magdalene stands in disbelief inside the vault.

**Tomb Of Christ**
Mark 16:1-7
*When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices so that they might go anoint Jesus’ body. An Angel Proclaimed “He is risen.”*

Nearby, the Rock Chapel, designed by Frank Garske in 1954, captured my attention. In the shape of a star, the chapel is constructed of large, native stones. A sign on the door refers visitors desiring to use the chapel, to contact officials at the Desert Christ Park or the Living Hope Church for admission. Because of unauthorized use and disrespect, the doors remain locked, even during the park’s opening hours, however, I was able to slide my phone through the crack between the doors and snap a photo of its modest interior.

The park is operated through donations, grants and the work of volunteers. As I walked through the garden, I discovered what the bricks being painted by the volunteer, that I had encountered at the beginning of my visit, were used for. Used to line some of the walkways, the bricks highlight the names of those who patronize the facility. Overall, the park’s grounds are kept up, but the statues are showing some signs of wear, due to being exposed to the elements and the earthquake of 1992. Regardless, Desert Christ Park attracts thousands each year for personal walks, weddings, picnics, photography or to simply experience its peace.

Peace…that was Antone Martin’s sole desire when he sculpted that first statue.

The Unwanted Christ.

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Desert Christ Park

https://www.desertchristpark.org/
Address: 56200 Sunnyslope Drive, Yucca Valley, California 92284
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, approximately 0700-1800, daily
Admission: free, donations accepted

Open Arms

Distance can certainly skew one’s perception.

Standing high on a cliff above the Tejo estuary, Cristo Rei, Portugal’s answer to Rio’s Christ Statue, beseeches visitors to wend across the Tagus River, to scrutinize its enormity.

As I walked along the waterfront on one of my trips to Lisbon, I glanced across the waterway to the statue, wondering just how big it actually was?

A couple of summers ago, I visited Rio’s iconic statue and marveled at its size as I stood at its base. I had also visited the more modest Christ Cristo Blanco statue in Cuzco a few months later and the Virgin Statue in Quito. Does Cristo Rei measure up to Christ the Redeemer, its inspiration?

While traveling with a friend, who hails from Rio de Janeiro, we debated this topic. As a proud Brazilian, she truly believes that no other Christ statue equals the size of the one that tops Corcovado mountain in Rio. After googling a few dimensions, we were surprised to find that although the actual statue of Christ the Redeemer outshines Cristo Rei by 2 meters, their pedestal heights are remarkably different with the latter statue’s overtaking the former’s by 76 meters.

But looking at them both from afar, why does the one in Lisbon seem smaller than the one in Rio?

With Christ the Redeemer’s location so high on the mountain and Cristo Rei’s location on a hill far across the Tagus River, the disparity of their bearings definitely add to the mystery of how large each actually appear to be.

We decided that we would visit Cristo Rei, stand beneath the statue and see if our perception of the two was the same.

Travel to the statue is not complicated and can be reached by car, traveling across the 25 de Abril Bridge, by train through the station in Pragal and by ferry over the Tagus River, through the port of Cacilhas in Almada. In the interest of time, we decided to take Uber to the ferry port and enjoy the river crossing in the bright, sunny afternoon. Once we reached the opposite shore, we jumped on the bus which deposited us at the gates of the Sanctuary a few minutes later.

*Bus stop outside of ferry terminal, Cacilhas port*

Cristo Rei, inaugurated on May 17, 1959, was erected to express gratitude to God for the country being spared the effects of World War II. Taking almost ten years to complete, the statue and has attracted thousands of visitors. Over the years, additions have been made to the grounds, including the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace and a Sanctuary with a rectory, chapel, administration and meeting halls and exhibition galleries.

As we walked through the parking premises, we made our way to the statue’s base and to the entrance facing the river. Paying our admittance, we joined the line waiting for a spot in the elevator which would take us to the viewing platform at the foot of the statue.

Exiting the elevator and climbing the stairway adjacent to the gift shop, we stepped out into the sunshine and glanced upwards.

There it was…Cristo Rei…all ninety-two feet of him!

Making our way around the top of the base, we craned our neck to get a better look at the statue designed by sculptor Francisco Franco de Sousa. Like Christ the Redeemer, the figure of Christ’s arms are extended, facing the city of Lisbon, as if to embrace the city. Standing beneath the statue, we both agreed that our impression of the statues, while in their immediate presence was similar. Even my Brazilian friend was astonished at how large this statue actually was and so similar to Christ the Redeemer!

Remaining for some time, we enjoyed the fascinating views of the city all around us while standing in the shadow of the dominant icon, faced by the bronze Ten Commandments.

Finally, we decided to see all of the other areas that the sanctuary had to offer.

Making our way down within the four arches of the pedestal (oriented in the directions of the compass rose), we visited the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace and the Pope John XXIII Hall, containing eight oil paintings created by João de Sousa Araújo. An old high cross from the Sanctuary of Christ the King is also located in the hall. The Chapel of the Confidants of the Heart of Jesus displays valuable reliquaries of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Saint John Eudes, Saint Faustina Kowalska and Blessed Mary of the Divine Heart Droste zu Vischering.

Exiting the pedestal, we made our way around the structure, admiring the statues of the apostles and other pieces of religious art on the premises, including stations of the cross. Here, it is also possible to admire the sweeping views of the city across the river and access to the grounds is free if unable to gain entry into the pedestal.

So, which statue did my Brazilian friend think was more impressive? Christ the Redeemer, of course! It is one of the symbols of her country and I wouldn’t expect her to choose anything but. If you ask me? It would be close, as I was impressed by both. Christ the Redeemer, however, having always been on my bucket list and located so high above the city, I think it ekes out the win!

If anyone is visiting Lisbon and looking for an afternoon of adventure, I would definitely recommend making the short journey to Cristo Rei…one of the city’s treasures!

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National Sanctuary of Christ the King

https://cristorei.pt/default.aspx?langid=2
Address: 2800-058 Almada, Portugal
Hours: Summer weekdays, 0930-1830, Summer weekends, 0930-1900, Winter, 0930-1830.
Admission: Adults, €6.00, Children, €3.00
Getting There: Take the commuter ferry from Cais do Sodre Station across the river to Cacilhas, from where there are buses (#101) outside the station that stop at the monument. Ferry ticket price, €1.30. Bus ticket, €1.50 purchased from driver.

Cristo Blanco

Standing tall on mountainside, we could see him from Plaza de Armas.

Cristo Blanco, the Statue of the White Christ.

Though not as large as Christ the Redeemer in Rio, this statue was a gift from Palestinian Christians in 1945, as a token of gratitude for the refuge they received in the city after World War II. Keeping watch over the city with open arms, the sculpture beckons tourists to take a closer look and to gaze out over the sprawling city of Cusco.

Designed by local artist Francisco Olazo Allende, who also designed the Santa Clara archway leading into Cusco’s San Francisco Square, the parts of the statue were manufactured in the San Blas district and then transferred and erected on the spiritual location of Pukamoqo Hill, which supposedly holds soil from all of the four quarters of the Inca Empire.

After our visit to Sacsayhuamán, we took a short walk from the rear of the site uphill to the statue. Towering above us about 25 feet, the statue starkly contrasted against the clear, blue sky. Though the fencing surrounding it kept us from getting too close, we were able to get some decent photographs and our visit lasted a short ten minutes. Since not much time is required at the site, you can incorporate your visit with stops at Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomacay, all located on the same highway.

And Cristo Blanco never sleeps. Make sure to cast your eyes upward at night when he is brightly lit! A constant reminder of the hospitality and friendliness of the Cusqueñan people.

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Cristo Blanco

Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
Admission: free
Getting There: By taxi, about S/. 15 (about $5.50 US), with journey taking about 15 minutes. By foot, from Plaza de Armas, the journey takes about 30-40 minutes, uphill.

Checking Out Rio

Bucket Lists?

Doesn’t everyone have one?

I do. Mine is pretty lengthy and covers things all over the world. Steadily marking things off, I always hope to make some headway but I guess I need to quit adding to the list.

Recently, I found myself heading down to Rio, a first for me. Immediately, I realized that there was something on my bucket list that I could accomplish.

Christ the Redeemer Statue. Cristo Redentor.

The immense art deco statue, made of concrete and soapstone and measuring 98 feet high (with a 26 foot pedestal), was created by French sculptor Paul Landowski and completed in 1931. Weighing a massive 635 metric tons it is located at the peak of Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. Listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is a symbol of Christianity across the world, a cultural icon of both Rio de Janeiro and Brazil and the most visited landmark in the country.

After arriving and discovering a beautiful day awaited me, a quick shower gave me the wake-up call I needed and I was off to Praça do Lido to purchase my ticket and take the provided transportation up to the summit.

Driving through the city was fascinating…the architecture and busy streets held my attention until I realized we were climbing. After a while, we pulled into the National Park area and the Cosme Velho station. Here, we were transferred to another van which would take us the remainder of the way to the statue.

It is important to note that there are a couple of other ways to make your way to the station. A cab can be taken to the Cosme Velho station, just be aware that there are no set rates and the meter should be turned on. From, here you can arrange to take one of the vans or the Cog train to the top of the mountain. If you are the adventuresome type and trying to work off the many pastels you ate for dinner the night before, you might consider hiking the remainder of the way.

After the short ride to the top, I disembarked and ascended the steep stairs, passing amazing overlooks, restaurants and gift shops hawking rosaries and replicas of the statue. My first glimpse of the formidable statue was from the rear, but even at this angle, I must say, it took my breath away.

A few more steps and there I was. Looking into Cristo Rendtor’s face.

Check.

Looking up at the statue in the afternoon light was more than I could ever imagine. Tall and imposing, the statue towers over the mountain and keeps watch over the surrounding city…which by the way, offers unobstructed views of Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain and the neighboring mountains. I couldn’t have asked for more, however, if I ever returned, I think that it would be in the morning to have the brilliant sunlight on the statue’s front side.

Be sure to check out the busts at the rear of the statue depicting the engineer and Archbishop who were instrumental in the building of the statue as well as the small chapel.

Though relatively crowded, your admission ticket does not dictate how much time you can spend at the statue and believe me, take your time. Relish it! Enjoy it!

Whip out that notebook and pencil and make that big check mark!

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Santuario Cristo Redentor

https://cristoredentoroficial.com.br/
Address: Parque Nacional da Tijuca – Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil
Hours: 0800-1900, daily
Admission: Adults, R$43 (about $11.50 US), Children R$21.50 (about $5.75 US), Children under 6, free.
Getting There: By Van from Largo do Machado and Praça do Lido.
R$ 74 (high season/ weekends and holidays) and R$ 61 (low season / week days) – Children from 5 to 11 years old, R$ 48. Children under 5, free. Seniors over 60 years, Brazilians and foreigners residing in Brazil, R$ 40,50. Transportation and admission included in price.
Business hours: Daily, 8am-4pm (Praça do Lido) and 8am-5pm (Largo do Machado).