How to Pray the Stations of the Cross: Way of The Cross

The “Stations of the Cross” also referred to as the “Way of The Cross” are a series of fourteen pictures, paintings or carvings that portray the events along Christ's journey in his final hours from his condemnation by Pontias Pilate to his body being laid in the tomb. The devotion is believed to have begun with St Francis of Assisi and is observed throughout the world by Catholics who commemorate the journey made by Jesus in his final hours. It can be prayed at any time during the church year but is particular relevant during the season of Lent, especially on Good Friday and the Fridays during the season of Lent. Other words used to describe the prayer are: ‘Way of Sorrows’ or ‘Via Dolorosa’. It is thought that the Stations originated as a way that those unable to travel the pilgrimage route in Jerusalem, the ‘Via Dolorosa’, and the plenary indulgence attached to the pilgrimage is also given to those who prayerfully make the journey of the fourteen stations. The images of the Stations of the Cross are usually displayed around the inside walls of churches and chapels, but are also often found near shrines. The devotion of the Stations of the Cross can be prayed alone or as a group. In order to pray the Stations of the Cross, the individual or group move from one station to station meditating and reciting prayers on the events depicted which relate to Christ's Passion, from the first station where he is condemned to death through to the burial of Jesus. It is customary for the congregation to sing verses of the medieval hymn Stabat Mater ("By the Cross her Station Keeping") between each station and the full text of the Stabat Mater in the English and Latin has been included. Many texts have been written for use during the Stations, but that of St. Alphonsus Ligori remains the most popular. The book contains the following sections all accessed from the table of contents for easy navigation. Links are provided at the end of each station to the relevant bible verse as well as back to the table of contents: Introduction How to Pray the Stations of the Cross – Steps Stations of the Cross First Station Second Station Third Station Fourth Station Fifth Station Sixth Station Seventh Station Eighth Station Ninth Station Tenth Station Eleventh Station Twelfth Station Thirteenth Station Fourteenth Station Bible Verses First Station – Bible Verse Second Station – Bible Verse Third Station – Bible Verse Fourth Station – Bible Verse Fifth Station – Bible Verse Sixth Satation – Bible Verse Seventh Station – Bible Verse Eighth Station – Bible Verse Ninth Station – Bible Verse Tenth Station – Bible Verse Eleventh Station – Bible Verse Twelfth Station – Bible Verse Thirteenth Station – Bible Verse Fourteenth Station – Bible Verse Can you pray the devotion alone? Stabat Mater Hymn - Latin Stabat Mater Hymn - English Chapters from the Gospels Matthew – Chapter 27 Mark – Chapter 15 Luke – Chapter 23 John – Chapter 19