The practice began with early Christians in Jerusalem who retraced Jesus’ steps to Calvary.

During the Middle Ages, when pilgrimages to the Holy Land became dangerous, Franciscans helped spread the tradition by       establishing stations in churches. The devotion consists of 14 stations, each depicting a different event from Jesus’ condemnation to His burial. Some churches also add a 15th station to celebrate the Resurrection.

The 14 Stations are:

1. Jesus is condemned to death.
2. Jesus takes up his cross.
3. Jesus falls for the first time.
4. Jesus meets his Mother.
5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross.
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
7. Jesus falls for the second time.
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
9. Jesus falls for the third time
10. Jesus is stripped of his clothes.
11. Jesus is nailed to the cross.
12. Jesus dies forgiving those who crucified him.
13. The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross.
14. Jesus is placed in the tomb.

Since 1964, the Pope has led a public Way of the Cross every Good Friday at the Colosseum in Rome.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Roy Spieckerman at (262) 628-1141, ext. 226. Thanks and have a prayerful Lent.