Stations of the Cross – Lent – 2025

The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Crucis or Via Dolorosa, is a Christian tradition that commemorates the events of Good Friday and the suffering of Jesus Christ on his way to crucifixion. This devotion consists of 14 stations, each representing a specific event that occurred during Jesus’ final journey from Pilate’s judgment to his entombment.

Typically, the stations are as follows:

1. **Jesus is condemned to death**
2. **Jesus takes up His cross**
3. **Jesus falls the first time**
4. **Jesus meets His Blessed Mother**
5. **Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross**
6. **Veronica wipes Jesus’ face**
7. **Jesus falls a second time**
8. **Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem**
9. **Jesus falls a third time**
10. **Jesus is stripped of His clothes**
11. **Jesus is nailed to the cross**
12. **Jesus dies on the cross**
13. **Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross**
14. **Jesus is laid in the tomb**

The Stations are often represented by images or statues placed along a path or wall, and Christians may pray or meditate on each station, reflecting on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. It is a popular practice during Lent, especially on Good Friday, and can be performed individually or as part of a group worship service. The Stations of the Cross serves as a poignant reminder of the passion of Christ and encourages believers to contemplate themes of suffering, redemption, and hope.