The Stations of the Cross

The Way of the Cross probably started soon after Our Lords death. Surely His mother Mary and the Apostles walked over the same route many times afterwards. Even today devout pilgrims tread the "Via Dolorosa," the sorrowful way from Pilate’s Praetoriam to Calvary. Since it was impossible for most pilgrims to visit the original sight, reproductions of "The Way" began to appear in the 15^th century, Blessed Alvarez, a Dominican, erected in Spain groups of chapels in which were painted Passion scenes.

The Franciscans are probably responsible for The Way of The Cross devotion.

Throughout Europe they erected the Stations in their churches. At one time there were 37 stations. Pope Clement X11 fixed the number of station to fourteen in 1731.

They are:-

1. Christ is condemned to death.

2. Christ takes up His cross.

3. Jesus falls the first time.

4. Jesus meets His Blessed Mother.

5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His cross.

6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

7. Jesus falls the second time.

8. Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem.

9. Jesus falls the third time.

10. Jesus is stripped of His clothes.

11. The Crucifixion.

12. Jesus dies in the cross.

13. Jesus is taken down from the cross.

14. The body of Jesus is placed in the tomb.