Way of the Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You……

….Because by your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

In the past year, I have picked up on a few Roman Catholic practices, one being the Rosary and the other being the Way of the Cross (aka Stations of the Cross). This post is about the Way of the Cross and how I practice it. Those unfamiliar with the practice, it originated with the Franciscans building shrines that mimic the stations that existed in the Holy Land. If one was unable to make the pilgrimage to the Holy Land, you could meditate or pray along these stations at a local church (or home). The stations portray various events during the Passion narrative. It is typically done during Lent, but one can do it throughout the year. I try to do it at least once a month if not more. While I do not have actual stations on my land (that would be pretty neat), I do have a method I practice using a table layout. I will show what I use and provide links to these items. I usually avoid sharing links to purchase items but I figure in this case most of these are from independent sellers/artists and if I can help them get some exposure, then so be it! Please note these are not sponsored links, I get no kickback on any of these.

With the Way of the Cross practice, typically a person would use a “guide” and read it along with each station. There is typically an announcement of the station, then an introduction recital (which is the two lines at the beginning of this post), a subject matter regarding that particular station, and finally a closing prayer and poem before proceeding to the next station. There is no standard to these, but from the different pamphlets I’ve obtained, this seems to be the typical method. Now the subjects within each station varies greatly. Some are very focused on the actual station while others can venture off into the modern world and using that particular station as a highlight to a problem that exists today. I prefer them to stay more focused on the event of Christ’s passion but those other types may appeal to you.

When I do the stations, I like to set out a metallic cross layout that features small art depictions of each station. See below:

Now these little pieces I picked up off of Temu. Yes, I know…lol Here is a link to the product (HERE, note that sometimes items on Temu will be sold from various sellers, so other listings of this may be on the site and may be cheaper). When I go to recite each station, I will pick up that particular piece and meditate upon the art. I am a very visual person, hence my love for Christian iconography, so anytime I can bring a visual piece into my practice, I am for it. Another small art piece I use are mini-icons from Legacy Icons. See below:

Sorry for the blurriness but my phone wants to focus on the metal pieces. Legacy Icons put out an icon set of all the stations (LINK). You can buy actual bigger icons, but if you get those, be prepared to pay quite a bit. They did release an all – in – one icon that features them all together. I have one of those at an 8×12 size (LINK). They also put out a pamphlet one can use to follow along. Their pamphlet is more geared to someone who is Orthodox and is one I use the most (LINK). See below:

I also use iconography artwork from an artist by the name of Anatolii who sells on Etsy. You can order a digital download of the artwork and then print out for usage. I have printed all stations out in a 5×7 photo size and placed them in plastic photo/card holders. I made a video recently of my recitation of the Way/Stations of the Cross and have uploaded it on youtube. I used this particular artwork during that recording. This is posted below:

As you can see in that video, I also have the Legacy Icon 8×12 “all-in-one” icon on the left. Just a side note, I use the Francis of Assisi version of the Way of the Cross for my reading on that video. If you want to purchase the digital icons featured on the right side of the video, go HERE.

There are two readings/books I want to mention as I find them quite unique. One is by artist Kreg Yingst. This artist creates some amazing woodcuts. Here is the Way of the Cross book:

Now I do want to mention this book uses a new, Post-Vatican II version of the Way of the Cross that follows a more biblical account of the passion. Some of the stations are different and the newer version features 15 rather than 14. I typically follow the “traditional 14” version but will do the 15 occasionally. The book can be purchased HERE. I do recommend checking out the artist’s store as there is some great stuff on there! I also have the Psalms book and HIGHLY recommend it!

The final book I want to recommend is the following by Timothy Radcliffe with art by Martin Erspamer, OSB:

I did not purchase this online as I bought it at the Saint Meinrad Archabbey where Martin Erspamer, OSB is currently a monk there. A quick google search will provide links to the book online. If you ever get a chance to visit the Archabbey, Martin’s work is present everywhere. He has quite the unique style, so I was very happy to get this version of the Way of the Cross with his art. For a video of him check out:

The Way of the Cross meditation is a great way to go through the Passion narrative. I highly recommend picking up the practice if you have not already done so.

bP