Stations of the Cross
Fourth Station of the Cross, Christ Meets His Mother, Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem, Author Anton 17, (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
The Stations of the Cross commemorate select events during Christ’s final hours [1][2]. The Stations originate from the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, a processional route tracing the path Christ followed on His way to Calvary.
Generally displayed around a church as individual paintings or carvings, the Stations of the Cross serve as the basis for a devotional often observed during Lent. Prayerfully considered, the Stations afford believers an opportunity to reflect in a profound way on Christ’s suffering and His sacrifice for them [3][4][5][6].
The denominations which observe the Stations of the Cross include the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Lutheran Church, and Methodist Church.
Among Catholics, the 14 Stations (8 derived from Scripture, 6 from tradition) are:
- Christ is condemned to death by Pilate.
- Christ takes up His cross.
- Christ falls the first time.
- Christ meets His mother.
- Simon of Cyrene helps Christ carry His cross.
- Veronica wipes the face of Christ.
- Christ falls the second time.
- Christ meets the women of Jerusalem.
- Christ falls the third time.
- Christ is stripped of His garments.
- Christ is nailed to the cross.
- Christ dies on the cross.
- Christ’s body is taken down from the cross.
- Christ is laid in the tomb.
There are slight variations on this throughout the Christian world.
Far from an empty ritual, the Stations of the Cross invite believers to engage with Christ’s Passion, and deepen their personal relationship with Him.
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[1] Wikipedia, “Stations of the Cross”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stations_of_the_Cross.
[2] Church of the Holy Sepulchre, “14 Stations of the Cross: Christian Tradition”, https://thechurchoftheholysepulchre.com/the-stations-of-the-cross/.
[3] Baylor University, “The Meaning and Practice of the Stations of the Cross”, https://magazine.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2025/meaning-and-practice-stations-cross.
[4] Catholic Share, “What Are the Stations of the Cross and How Do They Guide Us?”, https://www.catholicshare.com/the-stations-of-the-cross-a-journey-with-christ/.
[5] YouTube, “Stations of the Cross (Traditional Catholic) by St. Alphonsus Ligouri”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb5sNXPgl44.
[6] YouTube, “Stations of the Cross – Guided Meditations Through Christ’s Passion”, https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=protestant+stations+of+the+cross+pdf&mid=9C16B73188FE2EFC02A09C16B73188FE2EFC02A0&FORM=VIRE.
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No. 6 and Veronica among Catholic traditions. Wasn’t aware of this. Years ago Melanie and I were privileged to walk the Via Dolorosa on a visit to Israel. There is Indeed a need for reflection on what it cost our Savior to redeem a lost world. Thanks for your research, Anna!
What a wonderful experience that must have been for you and your wife, Erroll!
It was, Anna. The tour leader was a College buddy of mine, who became Professor of Semitic Languages at UNISA. Fluent in ancient and modern Hebrew, familiar with Jewish culture. Some special insights.
Recalling the small evangelical church I attended in New England many years ago, one Palm Sunday the pastor brought in a small crucifix; that is, the cross was about three feet tall and the nailed figure of Jesus about 2-1/2′. We were surprised as we evangelicals never displayed the crucified Lord, with the emphasis always being on His resurrection. But the pastor explained that by avoiding the crucifix, we were also missing the message of the suffering Christ! I never looked at a crucifix the same way again.
Thank you, Jesus, for your willingness to suffer for my sin.
I’ve never been to a Stations of the Cross service, Anna, was meaning to during Holy Week last but wondered if such meditations may not be better done in private communion. Either way, I agree with you, it is worth observing to deepen our faith.