Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Crucis, Via Dolorosa, or Way of the Cross, is a popular devotion used to meditate on different scenes from the Passion and Death of Christ. The purpose of the Stations of the Cross is to help the faithful make in spirit, as it were, a pilgrimage to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death.

There are fourteen stations, or "halting places" where one stops to meditate on a different scene from the Passion of our Lord. The stations are represented by pictures, statues, or engravings, each of which is to include a small cross. The number of stations has varied greatly, ranging up to 37 stations. For example, in 1584 a book written by Adrichomius entitled Jerusalem "Sicit Christi Tempore Floruit," gives 12 stations that match those in our present version.

In 1731, Pope Clement XII permitted stations to be created in all churches and fixed the number at 14. Clement XII also permitted a plenary indulgence to be granted for those worshipers who piously exercise the Way of the Cross ("Enchiridion of Endulgences," No. 63).

There is no devotion more richly endowed with indulgences than the Way of the Cross, and none which enables us more literally to obey Christ's injunction to take up our cross and follow Him. Below are the Stations of the Cross and Scripture passages where they may be found or from which they may be deduced. The engravings or etchings for each Station were created by renowned eighteenth century artists who captured the anguish, sorrow, and beauty of each scene.

Select the stations to start your spiritual pilgrimage to the scenes of our Lord's final hours of suffering and death, and learn why Pope Paul VI attested to the importance of the Stations in the devotional life of all Catholics.

May God bless you in your journey.

Stations of the Cross
(click on the picture for reflection and prayer)

I

Jesus is Condemned
(Luke 23:24)

II

Jesus Carries His Cross
(John 19:17)

III

Jesus Falls the First Time
(By inference from 2 & 5)

IV

Jesus Meets His Mother
(By inference from John 19:25-27)

V

Simon of Cyrene Helps Carry the Cross
(Matthew 27:32)

VI

Veronica wipes Jesus' Face
(Not recorded in Scripture)

VII

Jesus Falls a Second Time
(Not recorded in Scripture)

VIII

Jesus Meets the Woman of Jerusalem
(Luke 23:27-31)

IX

Jesus Falls a Third Time
(Not recorded in Scripture)

X

Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
(John 19:23)

XI

Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
(Mark 15:24)

XII

Jesus Dies on the Cross
(Mark 15:37)

XIII

His Body is Taken Down from the Cross
(Luke 23:53)

XIV

His Body is Laid in the Tomb
(Matthew 27:60)


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