The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Crucis or Way of Sorrows refers to a series of images depicting the path of Christ from Pontius Pilate’s praetorium to Christ’s tomb. In the 16th century, this pathway was officially entitled the Via Dolorosa (Sorrowful Way), or simply the Way of the Cross.
Why do the Stations of the Cross?
Click here to visit the Creighton University website for a brief history on the Stations of the Cross, explanations for why we pray them, tutorials on how to pray the Stations, and even a written version of the Stations if you prefer to read and meditate at your own pace.
Opening Prayer to Prepare for Stations of the Cross
Mary, my Mother, you were the first to live the Way of the Cross.
You felt every pain and every humiliation. You were unafraid of the
ridicule heaped upon you by the crowds. Your eyes were ever on Jesus
and His Pain. Is that the secret of you miraculous strength? How did your
loving heart bear such a weight? As you watched Him
stumble and fall, were you tortured by the memory of all the yesterdays-
His birth, His hidden life, and His ministry?
You were so desirous of everyone loving Him. What a heartache it was
to see so many hate Him – hate with a diabolical fury. Take my hand as I
make this Way of the Cross. Inspire me with those thoughts that will make
me realize how much He loves me. Give me light to apply each station to my
daily life and to remember my neighbor’s needs in this Way of the Pain.
Obtain for me the grace to understand the mystery, the wisdom
and the Divine love as I go from scene to scene. Grant that my heart, like
yours, may be pierced through by the sight of His sorrow and the misery and
that I may determine never to offend Him again. What a price He paid to
cover my sins, to open the gates of heaven for me and to fill my soul
with His own Spirit, Sweet Mother. Let us travel this way together and grant that the
love in my poor heart may give you some slight consolation
Amen.
Watch and Pray the Stations of the Cross
Living Stations presented by the SMM Youth Ministry on April 12, 2019 at St. Margaret Mary Church in Lower Burrell.
Bishop Malesic leads Stations of the Cross on March 8, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, North Huntingdon.