News

Town Rýžoviště

06/25/2009

"Our goal is not only to restore the cross, but also to involve our fellow residents in this project. We also would like to help others regain a relationship to their surroundings, and once again find a path to our shared history."

So state residents of Rýžoviště, a small town in northern Moravia who successfully applied for a grant of 30,000 CZK (approx. $1,600) from the Via Foundation Czech Heritage Society. This grant is for the restoration of the Saint's Cross which was struck by lightning over forty years ago.

The cross was originally built by the Kirchner family in 1909. The location of the Cross marks an important watershed in Europe. North of the monument, all water eventually drains into the Oder River, passing through Poland and Germany and into the North Sea. South of the Saint's Cross, all water drains into the Danube River, flowing through 10 countries to reach its destination in the Black Sea.

The Saint's Cross also served as a waypoint for travelers as is evidenced by the inscription on the base of the cross: "You our Lord, created us for Yourself, but our hearts are restless and we may rest at this Cross, as a good guide, especially in fog and the harsh winter months." The Saint's Cross once again played a role as a resting point last year as local groups organized a special hike for nearby residents. These groups chose as a name for this hike, "In the Footsteps of Our Ancestors."

On July 11th, local residents will once again erect the Saint's Cross in its original location. If you may be in the Czech Republic on that day, please send us an email (brad.hoar@nadacevia.cz) to find out how you may participate in this event!