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