Presently, three versions of the Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, are available:

• Traditional text according to St. Francis of Assisi (St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City)
• Liturgical meditations (Holy Rosary Parish, Houston, TX)
• A liturgical version featuring scenes from The Passion of the Christ

More variations, featuring other great works of art and various texts, will be added in the future.

Personally, I find the scenes from The Passion of the Christ particularly moving. I hope they help you in your private meditation throughout the year.

About the Via Crucis

Contemplating the Crucifix with the eyes of faith, we can deeply understand what sin is, how tragic its gravity is, and, at the same time, how incommensurable is the power of the Lord’s forgiveness and mercy. [...]

By looking at Christ, let us feel that He is looking at us. The one we have pierced with our sins never tires to pour onto the world a boundless stream of merciful love. May humanity understand that it is only from this source that we can draw the indispensable spiritual energy to build the peace and happiness that each human being endlessly seeks. [...] In this contemplation, the Christian discovers the path along which his life, and love, must move.

To this end, the Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, has been practiced for centuries as a meditation on the great Sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Through it, we come to realize our own repeated failings; but moreover, we come to witness the boundless Love that God has for us — which helps us gain a firm faith and gives us strength to put aside all that distracts us from listening to Christ and his words of salvation.

Structure

The Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) consists of 14 stations depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ, beginning with His condemnation to death and ending with His deposition in the tomb. This devotion serves as a way for us to make a spiritual pilgrimage to the chief scenes of our Blessed Lord’s sufferings, and to accompany Him, with sadness and love, in His sorrowful journey.

To walk the Via Crucis, the faithful would pause at each station and devoutly meditate upon the Sufferings of our Lord, recalling especially to mind our sins and our own inadequacy, but looking to God with remorse, love, faith and hope. No oral prayers are prescribed, yet they are profitable.

The Via Crucis is essentially a private devotion, although it may be done in groups as well. When done publicly, it is very common to sing a verse of “Stabat Mater”, which celebrates the emotions of our Lady at the Cross.

History

• See the Catholic Encyclopedia.

Plenary Indulgence

A Plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who make the pious exercise of the Via Crucis. Those who are impeded can gain the same indulgence if they spend at least one-half hour in pious reading and meditation on the Passion and Death of our Lord, Jesus Christ.