what are the stations of the cross

The Stations of the Cross are a Christian devotion that reflects on Jesus’s journey to crucifixion and burial, usually through 14 scenes or “stations.” They’re also called the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis and are commonly prayed during Lent and Holy Week.

What they are

Each station marks a moment from the Passion of Christ, beginning with Jesus being condemned to death and ending with his burial in the tomb. The devotion is often used for prayer and meditation, especially in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions.

The 14 traditional stations

1. Jesus is condemned to death.

2. Jesus takes up his cross.

3. Jesus falls the first time.

4. Jesus meets his mother.

5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross.

6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

7. Jesus falls the second time.

8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.

9. Jesus falls the third time.

10. Jesus is stripped of his clothes.

11. Jesus is nailed to the cross.

12. Jesus dies on the cross.

13. Jesus is taken from the cross.

14. Jesus is laid in the tomb.

Why people pray them

People use the Stations of the Cross to remember Jesus’s suffering, reflect on sacrifice and compassion, and prepare spiritually for Easter. Traditionally, each station includes a prayer or brief reflection, often with art or images in churches.

If you want, I can also give you a simple child-friendly version or the traditional prayers used at each station.