This article explains what The Way Of The Cross is.
The Way of the Cross, also known as the Stations of the Cross, is a physical tool Roman Catholics can use to relive the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Comprised of 14 stations, the Way of the Cross is often conducted during Lent but it can really be a devotional exercise of any season. Put in simple terms, Catholics visit each station and pray before it.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the Way of the Cross "constitutes a miniature pilgrimage to the holy places at Jerusalem."
Each station, which is usually made up of stone, wood or even stained glass, depicts a different scene during Christ's final moments on Earth.
There is historic evidence of pilgrims visiting the actual sites as far back as St. Constantine, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia.
The 14 Stations of the Cross are as follows:
1. Christ is condemned to death
2. The cross is laid on Him
3. He falls for the first time
4. He meets His mother Mary, our Blessed Mother
5. Simon is made by the soldiers to help carry the cross
6. Veronica wipes Jesus' face with her veil
7. Jesus falls for the second time
8. He meets the "Women of Jerusalem," Catholic Encyclopedia
9. He falls for the third time
10. His clothes are taken off
11. He is crucified
12. Jesus Christ dies on the cross
13. The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross
14. Jesus is laid in His tomb
Each station has its own prayer and meditation associated with it. You can easily obtain literature on how to perform the Way of the Cross in a variety of forms, from pamphlet to cd.
Additionally, Roman Catholics may perform the Way of the Cross as an Act of Contrition in order to gain an indulgence for themselves. Catholics may also which to perform this exercise to grant the souls in Purgatory an indulgence.
Here are some other facts regarding the Stations of the Cross - all are paraphrased from the Catholic Encyclopedia. Because Catholics pray to the cross above the station, the pictures are not necessary. It is required, however, that those crosses be made of wood. In order to gain an indulgence, the Way of the Cross must be completed with no interruptions. Confession, taking Communion or attending Mass is not considered an interruption.
For more information on this or any other Roman Catholic practice, you should consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church. There are also a number of websites that explain these practices in dept.
