New Light on an Old Tradition
- Details
- Created on Thursday, 14 February 2013 22:04
- Written by Brian Stone
LYNDON - The 24 foot lit cross on Darling Hill in Lyndonville was a staple in community for years, but the lights were turned off in 2007 when owners Richard and Joan Downing failed to get the proper permits. But after 6 years the cross was once again shines after it was turned back on Wednesday night.
"The Downings didn't realize they needed a permit because they had a permit for the chapel, and so that's when things became difficult ," said Jim O'Reilly, who was not in attendance Wednesday but is also the Downings son-in-law. After a long battle a Judge decided last year the the cross could be lit for one hour at sunset on three previously agreed upon religious occasions, the first of which being Ash Wednesday.
The lighting of the cross symbolized more than a religious event, but also the the end of a battle for the Downings."For an older couple to be fighting to maintain what we believe is their religious rights, its been difficult and I'm happy for them," added O'Reilly.
The cross be lit shortly after 5 pm for the rest of Lent, along with one week during September for the birth of Mary, as well as advent Sunday through epiphany on January 6th.