The Stations of the Cross, one of the most popular devotions to the Passion of Christ, follows the final earthly journey of Jesus. His journey begins at the Garden of Gethsemane and ends at Calvary where he was crucified. Then, he was placed in a new tomb in the garden. The Stations are found everywhere in the Catholic world in churches, shrines and country pathways.

The devotion grew in the high middle ages and became especially popular in the 18th century inspired by the preaching of St. Leonard of Port Maurice (+1771). St. Paul of the Cross and the Passionists encouraged the devotion.

The devotion is a journey, a pilgrimage, and promise of a passage from this life to a risen life. The Passion of Jesus is a book of life that reveals the wisdom and power of the Cross. 

Like other devotions, the Stations of the Cross is not limited to set words or actions. It’s a meditational prayer. Like the four gospels it opens our minds to see the Passion of Jesus in different ways.

The Stations of the Cross offer a message of hope in Jesus who died and rose again. It’s a prayer for children and for all ages. It leads to the mystery of the Risen Jesus who conquered death and brings life.

The first video above describes the history of the devotion. The video for children can also be found on the internet.

For further information on the Passion of Jesus Christ, see www.passionofchrist.us in PassionistPray.org