The Cross Atop the Hill, Holy Land in Waterbury CT

The Cross Atop the Hill, Holy Land in Waterbury CT

A landmark on Pine Hill in Waterbury CT is back, larger than ever and should stand there for along time. The Cross on Pine Hill at Holy Land was erected this weekend just in time for Christmas. For many years the site was the area for pilgrims from all over to come and appreciate the symbolic representation of the bible in miniature.

With support from a local business and the Mayor of Waterbury, many volunteers worked to create the new cross and place it in a spot where the original cross was mounted back in 1956 by a local Waterbury Attorney John Greco. Attorney Greco, a devout Catholic, founded a local organization the Companions of Christ and worked to put up the original cross. Eventually, Holy Land was completed, which represented the biblical towns of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. When asked in an interview why he wanted to do this, Attorney Greco, commented that "he felt no one, no matter the race, creed or color, should be separated. He wanted a place for all people to sit and be peaceful."

The original cross was put up with much secrecy, and one morning many people were both shocked and fearful of the appearance of this huge Cross that sat on one of the larger hills in Waterbury. Before the highway interchange was built, it sat atop the hill above a residential neighborhood.

Once the highway was completed in Waterbury CT, the Cross and the Holy Land replication drew tourists of all faiths in bus loads. It was a Mecca for years bringing people of all faiths to the representation of a land that is special for millions of people. With the current owners, religious groups in the area have been running fund raisers to assist with the reconstruction of the area so that it can again be an experience for all.

The new owners of Holy Land hope to return the hill to the prominence it once had. For a start, the new cross which will have a special dedication ceremony on the Sunday before Christmas and the lights of the cross will be lit for all to see.

Coming Eastward on I-84 the Cross can be seen just before reaching the center of  the  Waterbury area resting on the summit of Pine Hill in Waterbury CT.

It will cause many to wonder and maybe say a prayer, and if so, the work of Attorney Greco will have been properly accomplished.

The Cross Atop the Hill, Holy Land in Waterbury CT