What is it?

The Way of the Cross is an ancient prayer practice that consists of accompanying Jesus on his journey to Calvary, meditating on the key moments of his Passion. It arose in the early centuries when Christians made pilgrimages to Jerusalem to visit the holy places. In the Middle Ages, the Franciscans spread this devotion throughout Europe. It was a way to “spiritually go to the Holy Land” without having to travel.

How do you pray?

There are 14 scenes (“stations”) of the Passion. It is not only about remembering, but also about entering with your heart into the mystery of the love of Christ, who gave his life for us. You can pray alone or in a group, in a church or at home, with or without images, going through the stations or remaining in one place, aloud or in silence… The essential thing is to meditate on Christ’s journey to the cross. At each station, you can follow a very simple plan: 1. Invocation: We adore you, Lord, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 2. Reading of the title of the station. 3. Brief meditation. 4. Brief prayer (an Our Father, a Hail Mary, or a spontaneous prayer).

The present Stations of the Cross can be found here.

Jesus, you are about to enter into your passion. Will you allow me to accompany you on the journey that leads to Calvary? Grant me the grace to accept what you wish to reveal to me at every moment, and above all, give me the firm courage and faithful dedication to come and remain at the foot of the cross with Mary.

First Station: Jesus is condemned to death

Judas hands Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver. Caiaphas condemns him for blasphemy, and Pilate, out of fear of Caesar, ratifies the sentence. I too, hidden in the crowd, shouted: “Crucify him!” While Judas falls into despair, Caiaphas justifies himself, and Pilate washes his hands. I acknowledge my guilt and humbly ask your forgiveness.

Second Station: Jesus is burdened with the cross

Jesus takes up the cross in silence and determination. His serene spirit accepts the mission of our redemption. It is one thing to say, “I want to do God’s will” when all is going well, and another to say it when I face the cross. Lord, give me strength and generosity to carry my cross and recognize in it the loving will of the Father.

Third Station: Jesus falls under the weight of the cross

Jesus’ humanity breaks. He has lost much blood, and the weight of the cross crushes him, but love drives him to rise. Thank you, Jesus, for teaching me that when I fall, I can also get up and continue.

Fourth Station: Jesus meets his Blessed Mother

In the midst of insults and violence, Jesus encounters the face of his Mother. Her presence brings comfort and refreshment. Mary, in her quiet sadness, comforts Jesus with a love reflected in her own pain.

Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross

Jesus can barely continue, and a man is forced to help him. Lord, allow me to be a Cyrenean too, to accept suffering as a call to join you on the path of redemption.

Sixth Station: Veronica wipes Jesus’ face

Veronica approaches Jesus and tenderly wipes his face. I thank you, woman, for your sensitivity and love. May I also know how to alleviate the suffering of others with small gestures of compassion.

Seventh Station: Jesus falls a second time

Jesus falls again, but his pain contains a secret sweetness. Lord, teach me to offer my suffering for love, for those who have lost their way, to be part of your redemptive work.

Eighth Station: Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem

Despite his pain, Jesus stops to console some women. Grant me, Lord, the grace to love as you do, to be attentive to those who need a kind word, a smile, a gesture of tenderness.

Ninth Station: Jesus falls for the third time

Jesus falls without strength. The Father allows this pain because the Son accepted it out of love. “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” Lord, unite my sufferings with yours and transform them into prayer for the salvation of the world.

Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his garments

Jesus suffers dishonor in silence. When I am slandered or misunderstood, give me the serenity to trust that God knows the truth and that He will justify me.

Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

From the cross, Jesus looks at us and forgives. Forgiveness is more than excusing: it is freeing the heart from resentment. Contemplating your love, Jesus, I affirm with certainty: “I believe in the forgiveness of sins.”

Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross

Jesus dies so that I may live. I discover him in those who give themselves out of love: in the priest, in the faithful spouse, in those who make their work a service. Teach me to give my life for love.

Thirteenth Station: Jesus is taken down from the cross and given to his Mother

Mary receives her Son in her arms. I would like to help, but I pause in silence, contemplating her tenderness, her pain, and her strength.

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is buried

Jesus is placed in the tomb. Everything seems over, but in the darkness of the tomb, hope already shines. Lord, teach me to hope in your victory, even in the darkest nights of my life.

Accompanying Jesus in his passion, we learn that love is the path of redemption. May every fall be an impetus to rise, every wound an offering of love, every tear an act of trust in God. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your cross!