Click on image to enter the Virtual Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross, or Way of the Cross, is a form of devotion that commemorates Jesus’ last day on Earth as a human being. Each of the 14 devotions, or stations, focuses on a specific event in the Passion of Christ, beginning with His condemnation. The stations are commonly used as a mini-pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station.
At each Station, the individual pauses for prayer and meditation, reflecting on that specific event. Specific prayers are recited before the individual moves on to the next station. There are 14 Stations in all.
The Stations of the Cross are commonly found in churches as a series of 14 small icons or images. At St. John XXIII Parish, the stations are found on the walls the perimeter of the worship space.
This Virtual Stations of the Cross is designed to help those who are unable to participate in the Way of the Cross. In this Virtual Stations of the Cross, you will be led through the St. John XXIII Stations, one station at a time, and will be provided thoughts for contemplation and accompanying prayer.
The Scripture, reflection and prayer included in this Virtual Stations of the Cross were adapted from: The Way of the Cross (1965 Barton Cotton Publishers, Baltimore, MD), Jesus’ Way of the Cross: Adapted from the works of Pope Francis (2018 All Saints Press, St. Louis, MO), USCCB Scriptural Stations of the Cross (www.usccb.org), and Stations of the Cross – Catholic Online (www.catholic.org).
As we begin this way of the Cross, let us be aware that we are setting out on a journey, that we are following a way that thousands before us have walked.
We walk with One who has “gone before us.” We walk with Jesus, risen now, but still carrying within him the memories of those painful steps that led to his death.
He invites himself to walk with us on our own journey of life.