Stations of the Cross
For year round Stations of the Cross devotions.
Names for the Stations of the Cross: Way of the Cross; Latin: Via Crucis; Via Dolorosa – Way of Sorrows; or The Way
The Stations of the Cross are so called because we move from one area, Station, to another in the church or along an outdoor path, where the Stations of the Cross are depicted, praying devotions in memory of each Station of His suffering and death. The Stations of the Cross are depictions of The Way of the Cross of Christ from His being brought before Pilate and His condemnation to death through His Crucifixion and Burial in the Sepulcher. These depictions are in picture form, bas relief and sculptures. The tradition of praying the Stations of the Cross in the chapel (or church) began with St. Francis of Assisi and spread in the Roman Catholic Church in the medieval period. Most Roman Catholic churches now have The Stations of the Cross depicted in some way in their church for devotions, usually along the side walls and in a dedicated pathway on the grounds of the church. We can also find The Stations of the Cross in many Lutheran and Anglican churches. The Way of the Cross devotions are prayed year round but especially during Lent and particularly on the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday.
