Stations of the Cross
A devotion that walks through fourteen moments of Christ's Passion, from his condemnation to his burial, praying a short reflection at each one. Traditionally prayed on Fridays during Lent and especially on Good Friday.
Fourteen Moments of the Passion
The Stations of the Cross (also called the Way of the Cross) walk through fourteen scenes from Christ's condemnation to his burial, traditionally represented by fourteen images or markers placed along the walls of a church. At each station, a short prayer and reflection recall that moment before moving to the next. For the full step-by-step guide, see How to Pray the Stations of the Cross.
Where the Devotion Comes From
The practice developed from the ancient custom of pilgrims physically walking Jerusalem's Via Dolorosa, the traditional route Christ walked to Calvary. From the fourteenth century onward, Franciscan friars helped popularize local reproductions of the route across Europe so that those unable to travel to the Holy Land could still walk it in spirit; Pope Clement XII fixed the number at fourteen in 1731.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Stations of the Cross usually prayed?
Most commonly on Fridays during [[/learn/glossary/lent|Lent]], with Good Friday being the single most widely observed occasion, though they can be prayed at any time.
Do I need to be in a church to pray the Stations?
No — while many pray them in a church using the mounted images, they can be prayed anywhere with a printed guide listing the fourteen scenes in order.