Chilomoni, Blantyre
“Apart from the amazing view I get from the top, it also is a place where I off-load my troubles. It is a place where my spirit gets strength.”
(Brave Majawa, Way of the Cross Project Foreman and Chilomoni resident)
Location
Michiru Mountain, Chilomoni, Blantyre, Malawi
Type
Spiritual Well Being
Year of Construction
2008
Stations Artist and Engineer
Carmelo Puzzelo
Project Engineer
Cross by SR Nicholas (Lead Engineer Elio Bizzaro)
Total Development Area (Approx. GEA)
N/A
Construction Cost
N/A
Cost per m²
N/A

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain can not be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a basket; it is set on a lamp stand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds.”
(Matthew Chapter 5, Verses 14-16)

Krizevac (translating to ‘cross mountain’ in Croatian), is a charity formed in the UK in 2008, and was began when founder Tony Smith visited the Catholic pilgrimage centre of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Inspired by the stories of miracles and visions which had taken place there, Tony set about creating his own place of ‘miracles’ in one of the poorest countries in the world. His first mission in Malawi was to re-create Medjugorje’s ‘Way of the Cross’ on Mount Michiru, which overlooks the impoverished township of Chilomoni. It was envisaged that through the symbol of the cross and the message of hope that it represented, the lives of the people below could be transformed.

The Way of the Cross is a pilgrimage trail up the mountain; along the trail are 15 ‘stations’, which tell the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. A bronze, sculptured work of art is located at each station, visually depicting the relevant part of the passion and Easter story. The values of the Beehive Centre for Social Enterprise, of “Public Service and Personal Sacrifice”, are made clear in this story. The sculptures were designed and handcrafted by Italian artist Carmelo Puzzelo, and commissioned especially for the project. They were shipped over from Italy, and each one carried up the mountain manually, with no less than 7 people required to carry each sculpture. Each sculpture is embedded into the mountain by concrete footings. At each station, space has been created for private thought, reflection and prayer. At the end of the trail on a plateau, an 8m-high concrete cross marks the end of the journey, and provides ample space for hundreds of pilgrims to reflect, with a beautiful vista over Chilomoni below; a private contractor was employed to oversee its construction. They created a vehicular road half way up the mountain in order to deliver heavy materials and equipment. Local residents were employed to help, including many women, who were predominantly tasked with carrying water.

The Way of the Cross is a Pilgrimage Trail available all-year round to Tourists, Pilgrims and anybody who wants to experience an extraordinary vista of natural scenery as well as taking part in a spiritually refreshing journey.

As well as reflecting the origins of the Krizevac Project, the “Way of The Cross” ascending each mountain, symbolises the values of public service and personal sacrifice, which characterise our work.

Meet The Team

My name is Christopher Kateya. I am the Shrine supervisor at the Way of the Cross. The Way of the Cross is very important to me, because I get time to reflect and speak to my God anytime of the day. It is also important to thousands and thousands of souls in Malawi, because people travel from different parts of the country to come and pray at the Way of the Cross. In the process I’ve made many friends, who have later become my family.

Christopher Kateya

Shrine Supervisor
The project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals