What are the Stations of the Cross?

A devotion that walks through 14 moments of Christ's passion, from his condemnation to his burial. Most Catholic churches display the 14 stations on the walls. It is traditionally prayed on Fridays during Lent.

How long does the Stations of the Cross take?

A standard parish Stations service runs 30–45 minutes. Praying it privately takes about 20 minutes.

Are there 14 or 15 Stations?

Traditionally 14 stations end with the burial. Many modern versions add a 15th station — the Resurrection — to end on hope. Both are valid.

Can non-Catholics pray the Stations of the Cross?

Yes. Many Anglican, Lutheran, and Methodist congregations also pray a version of the Stations during Lent. The Scripture is shared.

The Stations of the Cross

14 stations, with Scripture and prayer — how to walk with Christ to Calvary.

The Stations of the Cross is one of the oldest Catholic devotions, originally walked by pilgrims along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. It became a parish devotion so Catholics anywhere could walk Christ's passion in prayer. Each station opens with 'We adore you O Christ and we praise you' and closes with 'Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.'

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The 14 Stations

1. Jesus is condemned to death (Mt 27:22–26).
2. Jesus carries his cross (Jn 19:17).
3. Jesus falls the first time.
4. Jesus meets his mother (Lk 2:34–35).
5. Simon of Cyrene helps carry the cross (Mk 15:21).
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
7. Jesus falls the second time.
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem (Lk 23:27–31).
9. Jesus falls the third time.
10. Jesus is stripped of his garments (Mk 15:24).
11. Jesus is nailed to the cross (Lk 23:33).
12. Jesus dies on the cross (Lk 23:44–46).
13. Jesus is taken down from the cross (Mk 15:46).
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb (Mt 27:59–60).
15. (Optional) Jesus rises from the dead (Mt 28:5–6).

The standard opening and closing

Opening at each station: 'We adore you O Christ, and we praise you.' Response: 'Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.' Close each station with a short reflection, an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be.

How to pray it as a family

Print or open the stations on a phone. Walk slowly around the room or yard, pausing for each station. Have one person read the Scripture and another the reflection. Keep it under 30 minutes.

When to pray

Friday afternoons during Lent (especially Good Friday), or any Friday throughout the year. Many parishes offer it publicly at 7pm during Lent.

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