The Stations of the Cross are a traditional 14-step devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. Praying the Stations helps us accompany Jesus on His journey from His condemnation by Pontius Pilate to His death and burial in the tomb.
The Fourteen Stations
- First Station: Jesus is condemned to death
- Second Station: Jesus carries His cross
- Third Station: Jesus falls the first time
- Fourth Station: Jesus meets His mother
- Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His cross
- Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
- Seventh Station: Jesus falls the second time
- Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
- Ninth Station: Jesus falls the third time
- Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of His garments
- Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross
- Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross
- Thirteenth Station: The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross
- Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb
How to Pray the Stations
- In the Church: Walk sequentially around the 14 image plaques located on the church walls, stopping at each station to reflect.
- At Each Station:
- Announce the station.
- Genuflect or bow and recite: “We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.”
- Read a short scripture reflection or meditation on the scene.
- Spend a moment in silent prayer, followed by an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
- Concluding Prayer: End with a final prayer offering your reflections to God, followed by the Sign of the Cross.