Hey there,
One of the oldest traditions in the Catholic Church is the Stations of the Cross … or you may call it the Way of the Cross … also known as the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis.
Most churches pray the Stations on Fridays during Lent.
Call me weird, but I love the Stations of the Cross. I’m not sure why.
Maybe it’s reliving the passion of Christ.
Maybe it’s the routine, ritualistic aspect of the prayers.
Maybe it’s the memory of going with my mom when I was growing up. I definitely felt her with me the first time I went to Stations of the Cross after she died.
Maybe it’s all of the above. Whatever the reason, I do try to go Fridays during Lent and especially on Good Friday.
I missed going to the Stations the past two years during Covid so I’m glad to be back this Lent!
Genuflect covered Stations of the Cross three years ago, shortly after getting started. So if you were around back then, first of all, thank you for sticking around! You may recognize some of this information, but I’ve updated and refreshed a lot of the articles so you’re sure to find some new information and hopefully everyone will find this helpful during this Lenten season.
So in this updated issue of Genuflect, you’ll learn about the origins of the Stations of the Cross, the science behind Jesus’ suffering, how to gain a plenary indulgence, several different ways to pray the Stations of the Cross, and what happened to the True Cross.
Hopefully you’ll love the Stations of the Cross as much as I do.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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The History of The Stations
The Stations of the Cross that most Americans pray date back to 1787, but the practice of reliving Christ’s passion goes all the way back to the 4th century. Here’s an overview of how the Stations of the Cross has evolved over the years.
Stations of The Cross Date Back to The Fourth Century | Catholic News Agency
The Science of Jesus’ Suffering
No doubt Jesus Christ suffered unbearably during His Passion. Azusa Pacific University professor Cahleen Shrier, Ph.D., takes us through the Stations of the Cross with a medical and biological perspective, looking at the science behind what Jesus was experiencing leading up to and during His crucifixion. You’ve never been through the Stations like this before!
A Devotional Reflection on the Science of Jesus’ Crucifixion | Azusa Pacific University
How to Gain a Plenary Indulgence
A plenary indulgence frees a person from all punishment due to sin. Did you know that a plenary indulgence is granted to anyone who piously prays the Stations? There are 4 requirements that you’ll need to follow though.
The Stations of The Cross History And Indulgences | Catholic365
How to Pray The Stations
According to Gretchen Filz, the Blessed Virgin Mary was the first to trace the steps and experiences of Jesus on His passion. She provides the background on how it evolved to our current practice, and 8 different ways you can pray the Way of the Cross.
How to Pray The Stations of The Cross | The Catholic Company
Scriptural Stations of The Cross
On Good Friday in 1991 Pope John Paul II celebrated the Stations of the Cross using the scriptures. Pray this alternative version for a deeper reflection of Christ’s Passion.
Scriptural Stations of The Cross | USCCB
8 Ways to Pray The Stations
The Stations of the Cross that we pray today have evolved over the centuries. But we’re not required to use this one format. There are other ways to pray the Stations of the Cross. Here are 8 different ones.
8 Different Ways to Pray The Stations of The Cross | Aleteia
Stations For Busy People
If you’re too busy to go to Stations of the Cross, don’t worry! You can pray The Way of the Cross on your own. And if you’re really busy, this method takes just 10 minutes.
Stations of The Cross For Busy People | Aleteia
When The Stations Aren’t For You
Dolores Smyth always said, “Praying the Stations of the Cross is not for me.” She shirked the devotion because she couldn’t bear reliving the pain and agony of Jesus. But one evening during Lent she couldn’t get out of going and much to her surprise, her lifelong avoidance turned into a welcome practice. Here’s why.
Why I Stopped Avoiding The Stations of The Cross | Busted Halo
Virtual Visit to Via Dolorosa
Have you ever wanted to visit the real Stations of the Cross in the Holy Land … aka Via Dolorosa? Here’s a site where you can virtually go there and pray this devotional. A map marks the route with the fourteen stops along the way. At each station you’ll read a description of the photo slideshow, view a photo slideshow (be patient as the slideshow auto runs slowly), and read a prayer for that station.
Virtual Pilgrimage to The Stations of The Cross in Jerusalem | Jerusalem Via Crusis
Stations For Kids
It’s never too early to introduce kids to the Stations of the Cross. If you’ve got kids or grandkids at home, Lacy Lynch provides great resources here from free printables to crafts.
Stations of The Cross For Kids (Crafts And Activities) | Catholic Icing
The True Cross
Saint Helena traveled to the Holy Land in 326 in search of relics from Christ’s Passion. There she found the True Cross of Christ. Though it’s difficult to trace all the paths of the cross, read the story of the True Cross’ multiple disappearances and discoveries … and see a slideshow of other relics from His Passion.
What Happened to The True Cross of Christ? | Aleteia
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