Outdoor Way of the Cross & Pieta Chapel
 

97 East 1st Street

St. Donatus, Iowa 52071

     Visitors and spiritual pilgrims are invited to experience the Outdoor Way of the Cross and

Pieta Chapel located on Calvary Mound, the breathtaking backdrop of St. Donatus Church.  The Outdoor Way of the Cross is believed to be the first of its kind in America.  It was built in 1861 under the direction of Fr. J. Michael Flammang, the pastor of St. Donatus Church.  Fr. Flammang was an immigrant from Koerich, Luxembourg to Iowa.

The Outdoor Way of the Cross consists of 14 red-brick alcoves situation along the winding path leading up the mound.  Each alcove contains an original lithographic print detailing Christ’s journey to his crucifixion.  The winding path takes you through the quiet serenity of touring trees and ancient rock formations.   

Don’t be surprised if you see a group of friendly sheep roaming the way of the cross grounds.  They serve in providing old-fashioned lawn care!    

     The culmination of the trek up the mound is the Pieta Chapel.  Perched atop the mound, the Pieta Chapel can be seen from the village below and it also offers spectacular views of the St. Donatus countryside. 

        The Pieta Chapel was built in 1885 with funds left by Fr. Flammang and was dedicated to his memory.  The chapel is modeled after the Chapel du Bildchen in Vianden, Luxembourg.  Inside the chapel is a simply altar with a statue of the Pieta.  The Outdoor Way of the Cross and Pieta Chapel are self-guided tours that continue the great spiritual tradition of the Luxembourgers in St. Donatus.