St Francis of Assisi, Petts Wood

For it is in giving that we receive.

Stations of the Cross
(A brief explanation)

Stations of the Cross, also called Way of the Cross, also known as the Way of sorrows refers to a series of 14 pictures or carvings portraying Jesus Christ, from his condemnation by Pontius Pilate, to the day of his crucifixion then to his entombment, and for each picture an accompanying prayer.

The stations grew out of imitation of “Via Dolorsa” Latin for the “Way of Grief” “Way of Sorrow” or simply “Painful Way” is a processional route in the old city of Jerusalem.

The winding route from the Antonia Fortress west, to the Church of the Holy Sepuchre, which is believed to be the actual path Jesus walked.

The object of the station is to help the Christians faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the passion of Christ.  It has become on of the most popular devotions and stations can be found in many Western Christian churches, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Roman Catholic.

The 14 Images are arranged in number order along a path and the faithful travel from image to image, in order, stopping at each station to say the selected prayer and reflections.
(Although not traditionally part of the Stations, the Resurrection of Jesus is, in very rare instances, included as a fifteenth station)

This can be done individually or in a procession most commonly during Lent, especially on Good Friday and in a prayer of devotion for the suffering and insults that Jesus endured during his passion.

The Style, form or placements of the stations vary widely form church to church.  The typical stations are small plaques with reliefs of paintings placed around the church nave.

Morden minimalist stations can be simple crosses with a number in the centre, but the reserve is also true with elaborate statues, carvings and pictures, the Roman Catholic church in Liverpool is a good example, however if you have the time please click through, and have a look at our beautiful wooden carved stations with accompanying story, prayers, and meditation.