Introduction
The Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross; in Latin, Via Crucis; also called the Via Dolorosa) refers to a devotional
depiction of the final hours of Christ. It may be done at any time, but is most commonly done during the Season of Lent, especially
on Good Friday and on Friday evenings during Lent. The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage
of prayer to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death.
The Stations of the Cross are images of stories about the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. Of the fourteen stations, eight are based
on events recorded in the Gospels. The other six (3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 13) are based on inferences from the Gospel accounts or from other sources.
The route traditionally held to have been taken by Jesus to his death at Calvary (Golgotha) in Jerusalem is called the Via Dolorosa or the Sorrowful Way.
A very early tradition developed in the Holy Land to follow the Via Dolorosa, stopping and contemplating the events of Christ's Passion at sites where
tradition held that they took place. European Christians on Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands brought back the custom of remembering the Passion through
various devotions as early as the 4th century.
Most trace the beginning of these devotions to Saint Francis of Assisi or his followers in the thirteenth century. During times when the Muslim occupation
of the Holy Lands made Christian pilgrimage especially difficult or dangerous, the Stations were erected in the local churches as a way of bringing Jerusalem
to the people. The number and names of the Stations changed radically at various times in the history of the devotion. In medieval versions, the number of Stations varied
from 11 to 39.
The term "stations" was first applied to these devotions by the English pilgrim William Wey in 1428, by which time they were already widespread throughout all
of Europe. In 1505, Peter Sterchx of Flanders published the highly influential work called Cruysgang ("Way of the Cross"), a guide book to the Stations
that did much to develop the devotions as we know them today. The first twelve Stations were placed in their current order by Dutch writer Adrichornius in 1584
in Via Crucis, Way of the Cross. Pope Clement XII fixed the official number at 14, which was confirmed in 1742 by Pope Benedict XIV, and which is
still the most common number. The simple devotions on these web pages are based on those used by the early Franciscan fathers on their missions. To view and/or print
a complete devotional service for the Stations of the Cross in a PDF file, please click here.
I
Jesus Condemned to Death
Jesus! Teach me acceptance in difficult times.
II
Jesus Carries His Cross
Dearest Jesus, your pain should be mine!
III
Our Lord Falls the First Time
O Jesus! Please keep me from sin.
IV
Jesus Meets His Mother
Help me to know when to cling tight, and when to let go.
V
Simon the Cyrene Carries Jesus' Cross
May I with patience accept all my trials.
VI
Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
O Christ, you left your likeness on the veil; stamp it also upon my heart.
VII
The Second Fall of Jesus
Prevent me, dear Lord, from falling away from you.
VIII
Jesus Consoles the Women of Jerusalem
My greatest consolation would be for you to say: "Your sins are forgiven, because you have loved much."
IX
Third Fall of Jesus
O Jesus! When I am weary upon life's long journey, be my strength and my perseverance.
X
Jesus Stripped of His Garments
My soul has lost its innocence; clothe me, dear Jesus, with your love.
XI
Jesus Nailed to the Cross
You forgave your enemies. God, teach me to forgive injuries and FORGET them.
XII
Jesus Dies on the Cross
Even as you died, dear Jesus, you still loved us all.
XIII
Jesus Taken Down from the Cross
Take me into your arms, oh Jesus, as your mother wrapped you in hers.
XIV
Jesus Laid in the Tomb
When I receive your body and blood in Holy Communion, O Jesus, make me a fit receptacle for you. Amen.
Credits
The Stations of the Cross at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church were created by artist Marcia Bakry of
Brentwood, MD. St. Andrew's commissioned the Stations to be installed in the sanctuary. Marcia had completed several of them when
Cliff Becker, her son-in-law and a member of St. Andrew's, died from a sudden illness. Marcia completed the remaining Stations in memory
of Cliff, and they were dedicated in his memory when all 14 were completed and installed. The Stations are mounted on both
sides of the sanctuary. The wooden mounting shelves with brass plaques were donated anonymously. Visitors to
the church are welcome to walk the Stations of the Cross with us, and there are designated times for such worship during Lent.
The texts for the introduction and the Stations is taken from a brochure that St. Andrew's provides about the sculptures. Copies of the brochure are placed near the first Station in the sanctuary.
The photographs and this web presentation of them were produced by Erik Devereux as a Lenten devotion in 2011.
The code for the tabbed content of this page was provided by BarelyFitz Tabber.
College Park, Maryland 20740-3302 