Lenten Practices, Stations of the Cross

The stations are a way of remembering and entering spiritually, the final hours of Jesus earthy life and ministry. This period is also referred to as Christ’s passion. Passion coming from the Latin word for passionem, meaning suffering. Hence the term, Passion Week. That is Holy Week. Each station remembers a point along the way Jesus took from his condemnation by Pontius Pilate to his death on the cross and burial in the tomb. By observing the stations, the individual believer, family, or congregation, accompanies Jesus in his last moments. For centuries, Christians have physically retraced Jesus’ Way of Sorrow (Via Dolorosa) in the Old City of Jerusalem on Good Friday. Usually, there are 14 stations.

The practice of the stations allows all Christians, regardless of geographic location, to enter this experience. Many Roman Catholic and some Anglican Churches display the stations of the cross in their churches all year. However, many don’t and still observe the stations on Fridays in Lent. This is often done by using temporarily displayed stations. Also, many monastic communities and retreat centers have the stations of the cross displayed on their grounds. These, while sometimes used by congregations formally, are often used more by individuals for personal reflection and devotion. Whether used as a formal service by a congregation or more informally by individuals for personal meditation the stations can be a powerful practice. 

It’s not necessary to have “official” stations to observe this practice on your own. You could look up the fourteen stations in the Bible, with a passage per station, perhaps moving from room to room. You could print out stations from various websites and create actual stations around your home or property. You could identify locations in your neighborhood or community with the traditional stations and observe them as a walking pilgrimage. Meditating, praying, and accompanying Jesus in his passion, as the Christian community has for over 2000 years can stir the heart, prompt deep reflection, and nurture faith. If a local church offers the stations you may wish to go experience them for yourself or try doing them in your own.