The Stations of the Cross (or Via Crucis) is one of the most ancient and moving devotions of the Catholic Church. It invites us to walk spiritually with Jesus during His final hours — from His condemnation by Pilate to His burial in the tomb.
Traditionally prayed on Fridays during Lent (and especially on Good Friday), the Stations allow us to meditate on the depth of Christ's love and the cost of our redemption.
"We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. Because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world."
How to Pray the Stations
- Move from station to station (or visualize them if praying alone/at home).
- Announce the station (e.g., "The First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death").
- Genuflect and say: "We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. Because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world."
- Read a short meditation or Scripture verse.
- Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, or Glory Be.
- Sing a verse of the Stabat Mater (optional) while moving to the next station.
The 14 Stations of the Cross
1. Jesus is Condemned to Death
Pilate washes his hands. Jesus accepts the unjust sentence silently. He does this to save us from the eternal sentence of sin. Lord, grant me the courage to accept unjust criticism without bitterness.
2. Jesus Carries His Cross
A heavy wooden beam is laid on His scourged shoulders. He embraces it, for it is the instrument of our salvation. Lord, help me to take up my daily cross and follow You.
3. Jesus Falls the First Time
Weak from blood loss and sleeplessness, Jesus collapses. The weight is too much. Yet He stands up again. Lord, when I fall into sin, give me the grace to get up immediately and seek Your mercy.
4. Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother
Mary pushes through the crowd to see her Son. Their eyes meet. A sword pierces her soul, yet she remains faithful. Mother Mary, pray for me when I see those I love suffering.
5. Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross
Soldiers force a bystander, Simon, to help. He is reluctant at first, but sharing the burden transforms him. Lord, help me to see opportunities to help others carry their burdens.
6. Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
A brave woman steps forward with a cloth to wipe the blood and sweat from His face. He leaves His image on the cloth. Jesus, imprint Your Holy Face on my heart.
7. Jesus Falls the Second Time
The pain is agonizing. He falls again. The crowd mocks Him. His humility is absolute. Lord, remove my pride. Help me to humble myself before You.
8. Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
He stops to console the weeping women: "Do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children." Even in pain, He thinks of others. Lord, give me true contrition for my sins.
9. Jesus Falls the Third Time
He is near the top of Calvary. He has no strength left. He collapses. But for love of us, He summons the last ounce of will to rise. Lord, give me the grace of final perseverance. Never let me give up on holiness.
10. Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
Everything is taken from Him — His dignity, His clothes, His friends. He stands naked before God and man. Lord, strip me of my attachment to material things and worldly status.
11. Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
Nails are driven through His hands and feet. He is fastened to the wood. The execution is complete. Jesus, nail my sins to the cross so they may never enslave me again.
12. Jesus Dies on the Cross
After three hours of agony, He cries out: "It is finished." He bows His head and gives up His spirit. (Pause and kneel). Jesus, I love You. Thank You for dying for me.
13. Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
His lifeless body is placed in the arms of His Mother. The Pieta. Her sorrow is as vast as the ocean. Mary, comfort all mothers who mourn the loss of a child.
14. Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
He is buried in a borrowed tomb. The stone is rolled shut. All seems lost. But we know what comes on Sunday. Lord, when my life feels dark and hopeless, remind me that the Resurrection is coming.
History of the Stations
The devotion began with pilgrims to Jerusalem who would retrace Jesus' actual steps on the Via Dolorosa. When travel to the Holy Land became dangerous or impossible in the Middle Ages, the Franciscans (custodians of the Holy Land) began erecting "stations" in churches in Europe so pilgrims could walk the steps of Jesus spiritually. Today, almost every Catholic church in the world has 14 stations on its walls.
Different Versions
- St. Alphonsus Liguori: The most traditional and widely used text. Focuses on the dialogue between the soul and Jesus
- Scriptural Stations: Introduced by St. John Paul II. All stations are directly from the Gospels (replacing the three falls and Veronica with events like the Good Thief and Jesus entrusting Mary to John)
- Mary's Way of the Cross: Meditates on the Passion through the eyes of Our Lady
FAQ
Can I pray the Stations at home?
Yes. You don't need the physical plaques on the wall. You can use images on your phone, a crucifix, or simply your imagination.
Is there a 15th Station?
Some modern versions add a "15th Station" for the Resurrection, to emphasize that the cross is not the end. However, the traditional devotion ends at the tomb to leave us in the silence of Holy Saturday.
Do I get a plenary indulgence?
Yes. A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who verify the Stations of the Cross, under the usual conditions (Confession, Communion, prayer for the Pope, freedom from attachment to sin). If you cannot go to a church due to illness, pious meditation on the Passion for roughly 15 minutes suffices.
Walk the Way of the Cross this Lent. Use the audio guide in the MyPrayerTower app to pray the Stations wherever you are — in your car, on a walk, or in your living room.