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Stations of the Cross

There are 14 Stations of the Cross in every Catholic Church. At each station there is a painting or statue depicting Jesus Christ as He is led to His crucifixion and death.

During the time of the crusades (1095-1270), pilgrims to the Holy Land followed the path of Jesus to Calvary. After the Moslems captured the Holy Land, the Way of the Cross... held outdoors... became a substitute pilgrimage throughout Europe.

In the l8th century Stations were allowed inside churches. Eventually, fourteen Stations became a familiar feature in Catholic churches.

The Way of the Cross makes us more aware of Christ's sufferings and of His great love for us.



Praying the Stations of the Cross

Start at the first station. Make the sign of the Cross. Imagine that you are standing beside Jesus, as He is being questioned by Pontius Pilate. Tell Jesus your thoughts and feelings. End by saying an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be.

Move to the next station. Again place yourself in the scene. Bless yourself and reflect on what you see. Express your gratitude, sorrow and love.

Continue in this manner. At the 12th station, Jesus dies on the Cross. Kneel for a moment and thank Him for giving His life to free us from our sins.

End at the 14th station, where Jesus is placed in the tomb.

    jesus condemned to death
  1. Jesus stands before Pilate and is condemned to death.

    jesus made to carry his cross
  2. Jesus carries His heavy wooden cross.

  3. Jesus falls the first time under the Cross.

  4. Jesus carrying His Cross meets His Mother.

  5. Simon the Cyrenian is made to carry the Cross.

  6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

  7. Jesus falls the second time.

  8. Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem.

  9. Jesus falls the third time.

  10. Jesus is stripped of His garments.

  11. Jesus is nailed to the Cross.

  12. Jesus dies on the Cross.

    jesus taken down from the cross
  13. Jesus is taken down from the Cross.

    jesus laid in the sepulcher
  14. Jesus is laid in the borrowed tomb.


The paintings here can be seen at the Martyrs Shrine in Canada.

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