Developed and spread by the Franciscans since the 14th century, the Stations of the Cross remain a powerful way to enter into the Passion and death of Jesus.
Over the centuries various versions of this popular devotion have been created, many of them inspired (or written) by saints!
Here are 7 different versions of the Stations of the Cross that contain reflections from many popular saints.
St. John Paul II
The beloved pontiff created a “Scriptural Stations of the Cross” in 1991 that provides an alternative way to follow the traditional stations.
St. Alphonsus Liguori
One of the most popular stations texts still used by many parishes was written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, an influential saint of the 18th century.
St. Josemaria Escriva
St. Josemaria Escriva wrote much about the Passion of Jesus and his meditations have been compiled into a Way of the Cross.
St. Faustina
Her diary yields a Way of the Cross featuring meditations by St. Faustina, a Polish nun known for spreading the Divine Mercy devotion.
St. Francis of Assisi
Often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, this Way of the Cross is a devotional penned by an anonymous Franciscan author in the spirit of St. Francis.
St. Therese of Lisieux
The “Little Flower” has many profound reflections that have been compiled into a unique “Little Way of the Cross.”
Carmelite Saints
St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila are among the many saints featured in this Carmelite Way of the Cross.
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And today we celebrate...