|
 The Stations of the Cross Devotion, also known as the Way of the Cross, has
been practiced by Roman Catholics for many centuries. The traditional Stations of the
Cross follow fourteen events of Jesus' Passion and death and conclude with a
reflection on the Resurrection. Today the
Stations of the Cross can be found in almost every Catholic Church. These
stations, based on Catholic Church traditions are not all based on Scripture but
nonetheless provide the faithful with an opportunity to deepen their
understanding of God's immense love and their faith in the Resurrection.
During the early years of the church, pilgrims would journey to the Holy Land
and walk the Via Dolorosa through the streets of the Old City of
Jerusalem. The Franciscans, custodians of the Holy Places, have been the
primary promoters of the devotion to the Stations of the Cross. Since it
was not always possible to travel to Jerusalem, the Stations of the cross allow
everyone to meditate on the passion and death of Jesus at their local church or
home. The Internet provides yet another opportunity to reflect on these
mysteries.
During the 1975 Holy Year, Pope Paul VI approved the
introduction of a new series of Stations which are based solely on the
Gospels. This Scriptural Way of the Cross starts with a reflection on the
Last Supper and concludes with the Resurrection.
Below are links to both a traditional version as well as a scriptural
version.
The traditional version contains pictures of the stations which line the walls of
the Cathedral and the prayers are taken from those developed by St. Francis of
Assisi.
Click HERE for
Traditional
Version Click HERE for Scriptural
Version
The scriptural version is taken from "Follow
Me A Scriptural Way of The Cross" copyright © 1984 Sacred Heart League,
Walls, Ms.
Scripture Texts from The New American Bible copyright © 1970 Confraternity of Christian
Doctrine, Washington, D. C.
Artwork copyright © 1984 Reproducta Company, Inc, New York
|
