Outdoor Stations of the Cross

The Way of the Cross

Tradition has it that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, made the first way of the cross, recalling the shameful means by which her beloved Son redeemed the world. It invites us to embark on an intimate journey of faith through a deep reflection that will unite our pains and sufferings with Jesus on the cross through the sorrowful heart of his mother, Mary.

The devotion of meditating on the Way of the Cross is usually observed during lent, especially on lenten Fridays, and most importantly on Good Friday. But it is recommended that we do it more often, so that it becomes our way of life.

There are many versions to the Way of the Cross.

The Way of the Cross powerfully illustrates John's testimony: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3: 16). We can find no better guide and companion in the journey to true devotion to Christ Jesus than His own Mother Mary. She willingly offered her own perfect Son for us on the Cross, as she stood on Calvary in complete consent to the divine will to sacrifice His Son for us. Indeed, we can say that, like God, she too freely handed over her one and only true Son for us.

The Way of the Cross depicts our pilgrimage from earthly exile to our true home in Heaven. “The demands of following Christ imply that his disciples must follow behind the Master, daily carrying their own crosses (cf Luke 9:23)“, comments Pope Saint John Paul II. The Stations  of the Cross are biblically inspired. The stations and the words are not the heart of the matter;the heart of the matter is to go deeper and deeper into the sufferings of Christ, so that we might come out of this spiritual journey with an appreciation of what Christ did for us, and a deeper love for him (devotion) and for our brothers and sisters.

During the history of the Church, a significant number of people have been united with Christ to the point of experiencing His Passion, up to the last moment of total surrender: “Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). During such mystical experiences, the world outside no longer exists.

Venerable Marthe Robin (1902 to 1981) a stigmatic and foundress of the Foyers of Charite, is a commanding example. Every Friday, for the last 53 years of her life, Marthe relieved the Passion of Christ. Her life was totally directed towards this union with God, which entailed the union with Christ on the Cross. “We must love Jesus on the cross”, she said. All Christians must participate in the Passion of Christ and complete what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ with their own bodies. As for me, I am just a sign, a reminder for all Christians.,” she emphasized basing on Colossians 1:24.

The founding of her “Foyers de Charité (House of Charity)” is based on the promotion of a laity that is consecrated and sent on the mission of undertaking a new evangelization.