Discover A Disciple's Way of the Cross Booklet

“In this moving collection, Alex Hemmerling shares his remarkable gifts openly and authentically. By illustrating the Stations of the Cross from memory and composing such heartfelt reflections, Alex invites each of us into a personal search for meaning and the deepening of our own inner lives. A Disciple’s Way of the Cross stands as a beautiful sign that all belong and exemplifies how artists like Alex can lead us toward building a more loving world.”

“I have had the blessing of knowing Alex Hemmerling for more than fifteen years and have witnessed his faith in action at St. Maria Goretti parish as he has grown. I’ve watched him serve as a Temple Knight, volunteer with the Confirmation program, and read at Sunday night Mass. I’ve been the recipient of many a hug from him in the parish narthex! I’ve experienced his love of the Church firsthand. Alex’s book is an example of the capability of people of all abilities when inspired by the Lord. I am thrilled that his artwork and prayers are being published, and I wholeheartedly endorse this book! I expect it will inspire guests to encounter Christ through the Stations of the Cross.”

“Alex and his family have been devout members of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for many years, and every time he is present at Mass, he brings joy and zeal to all those around him, greeting all with enthusiasm. The reflections and illustrations in this book are a remarkable testament to Alex’s faith and his great love of the basilica. I hope that this prayer resource helps Alex share his great confidence in the Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection and invites others deeper into the Paschal Mystery.”

“A Disciple’s Way of the Cross invites readers to encounter Christ’s Passion with fresh eyes and an open heart. Through his striking illustrations and heartfelt reflections, Alex Hemmerling reminds us that holiness is expressed in beautifully unique ways. This resource is a joyful reminder that the Church is enriched when every voice and every gift is welcomed and celebrated.”

“The wisdom and insight of Alex’s reflections on the Stations of the Cross are incredibly beautiful! They allow the reader to experience the Passion as if they were actually there. These down-to-earth, heartfelt meditations on Christ’s suffering draw you in, grab your soul, and don’t let go. A Disciple’s Way of the Cross is a book you will return to over and over again as you pick up your cross and follow Jesus through the trials and tribulations of life. This book is truly inspirational and highly recommended!”

To meet Alex is to meet a living Saint, and I truly mean that. He puts no person or thing above his genuine desire to grow closer to God. His love is so pure and the world would be better with more men like Alex living in it. This book was a gift to see through Alex's artistic depiction the love of Christ to us through His crucifixion. Alex creating this art from memory had me going back and forth from the University of Notre Dame's collection to the memory Alex retained in creating his own version. In viewing it, I was able to highlight from him the scene in a new light. This will be the book for the Stations of the Cross that I'll purchase for our school to use each Friday in Lent, as well as to just help students to reflect on the mystery of the passion of Christ throughout the year."

I am overjoyed that A Disciple's Way of the Cross is being made available to the public to pray. Alex is a gifted artist and a Catholic who is truly devoted to the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Alex's artwork is beautiful, and the prayers given are deeply penetrating, helping all who pray to enter most fully into the Mystery of God's love and mercy. I have ordered dozens of the booklet for our parish community, because I want to avail our people of this rich tradition, in a new and powerful way. I am looking forward to praying the Disciple's Way as a parish community because I know it will pierce many hearts and touch many lives.

With a loving family and a supportive parish community, Alex’s joy for life has thrived. These meditations on Jesus’s suffering provide a glimpse of how, through the lens of his joy, he recognizes more profoundly the sorrow of others and sees how God moves in us to overcome our sorrows. He never takes for granted his need for God’s assistance and his own ability to be an instrument in helping others. His walk through the Stations of the Cross points out to each of us how we can share in Christ’s suffering and bring about the joy of the Resurrection.

I have known Alex Hemmerling for many years. He is an amazing young man! Full of faith and excited about spreading the Good News far and wide, his A Disciple's Way of the Cross  will help people of every age to enter into the via crucis and be renewed in mind and heart.