Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross — also known as the Way of the Cross, Way of Sorrows and Via Dolorosa — is one of the most popular Roman Catholic devotions. It consists of fourteen events that took place during Jesus’ Passion.

History

Do you know where this tradition comes from? (I didn’t but discovered it while researching this post!)

After Jesus’ death, the Blessed Mother walked the path of His Passion daily. When she moved from the Holy Land, she created a similar outdoor route near her home. She used stones to mark each event and prayed while she walked.

Once Christianity became legal in the year 312, the “stations” were marked along the original route in Jerusalem. For centuries, people traveled to the Holy Land to honor these sacred locations.

The Franciscans — the religious order responsible for protecting the sacred places in the Holy Land — began to spread the devotion in Europe so others could participate in the spiritual pilgrimage.

Many began to follow the example of Mary by walking, praying and meditating upon the Lord’s sufferings where the paths were recreated.

In the 18th century, the Pope permitted all Catholic churches to display the fourteen Stations of the Cross so all could participate and receive special graces.

Later, specific formats for praying the stations were created. Many exist today, including one written by St. Francis, one by St. Alphonsus Liguori and one by St. John Paul II.

Lent

While we must contemplate the Lord’s Passion all year, Lent is the time we’re called to reflect more deeply on these events.

Since we’re about halfway through the season, you may already be doing this on your own or in your parish. (Most parishes offer opportunities to pray the Way of the Cross during Lent.)

God has been asking me to pay close attention to this devotion and participate in it. That’s why my recent posts have been about the cross!

Praying and reflecting on the Way of the Cross is crucial for Christians, especially during this holy season.

When we focus on Jesus’ Passion, we’re able to:

Put our cross in perspective and realize His Cross is unfathomably larger than our own
Realize our sufferings have meaning and value
Console Him in His affliction
Receive comfort and strength in carrying our cross
Unite our sufferings with His, which draws us closer to Him
Grow and mature spiritually

Don’t be afraid to enter into the mystery of suffering and the cross!

One Way to Pray

I’d like to share a simple, brief way to pray the Stations of the Cross.

This can be done privately or with others. It takes approximately thirty minutes, depending on how long you meditate on each station.

We’re encouraged to pray along with the images. Traditionally, one goes to the church to pray at each station. If you’re unable to do so, images can be found online.

I compiled the prayers below from:

A Short Way of the Cross – The Franciscan Fathers
A Way of the Cross – Plinio Corrêa de Olivera

The Point

There are many ways to pray the stations. I hope those who read this will be encouraged to either begin or continue to meditate on the Way of the Cross.

Whichever format you choose, I pray it’s a grace-filled experience that allows you to walk closely with the Lord this Lent.

And who knows, maybe the experience will be so meaningful that you’ll continue the devotion throughout the year.

Ready to walk with Jesus and Mary?

Station IV: Jesus Meets His Mother

Opening Prayer:

My Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast made this journey to die for me with love unutterable, and I have so many times unworthily abandoned Thee; but now I love Thee with my whole heart, and because I love Thee, I repent sincerely for ever having offended Thee. Pardon me, my God, and permit me to accompany Thee on this journey. Thou goest to die for love of me; I wish also, my beloved Redeemer, to die for love of Thee. My Jesus, I will live and die always united to Thee. Amen. (St. Alphonsus Liguori)

Station I: Jesus is Condemned to Death

We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. (Genuflect or bow)
Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. (Rise)

O Jesus! So meek and uncomplaining, teach me resignation in trials.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…