The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross, is a devotion in the Catholic faith that commemorates the final hours of Jesus’ life and his journey to the cross. It consists of 14 “stations,” or stops, each of which represents a significant event that took place during Jesus’ final hours.
The Stations of the Cross are typically practiced on Good Friday, but they can also be prayed at other times throughout the year. They offer Catholics an opportunity to meditate on the sufferings and sacrifice of Jesus, and to unite themselves with his Passion.
The 14 stations of the cross are as follows:
- Jesus is condemned to death
- Jesus carries his cross
- Jesus falls for the first time
- Jesus meets his mother, Mary
- Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross
- Veronica wipes Jesus’ face
- Jesus falls for the second time
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
- Jesus falls for the third time
- Jesus is stripped of his garments
- Jesus is nailed to the cross
- Jesus dies on the cross
- Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross
- Jesus is laid in the tomb
Each station is typically marked by a small plaque or image that depicts the event in question. As Catholics move from station to station, they may recite a prayer or offer a brief meditation on the event that took place at that station.
The Stations of the Cross offer Catholics an opportunity to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, and to draw closer to him through prayer and meditation. Whether you pray the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday or at other times throughout the year, this devotion can be a powerful way to deepen your relationship with Jesus and grow in your faith.