Known as the via dolorosa the Stations of the Cross depict the trial of Jesus before Pilate when He was condemned to death by crucifixion. Each Station is an image depicting the walk of Jesus from the palace of Pilate to Calvary where Jesus was stripped of His clothing and nailed to the Cross.
The Stations of the Cross were introduced in Europe during the time of the Crusades. Returning Crusaders told of having walked the path of Jesus from Pilate’s Judgement Seat through the streets of Jerusalem and finally to Calvary to be crucified. At each point along the way, the story of the via dolorosa was told and prayers offered.
Upon hearing of this devotion, the people of Europe who knew they would never be able to go to Jerusalem, began to mark off a similar route and erected paintings along the way that illustrated the events that happened during the journey of Jesus to the Cross. Some of the paintings for example, recalled Jesus falling three times from the weight of His Cross and loss of blood. One painting reflects upon Jesus seeing His Mother standing in the crowd. Another painting is a recounting of Simon of Cyrene being forced to carry the cross for fear that Jesus would die before he could be crucified. At each station the pilgrims would offer prayers and song while feeling the suffering of Jesus. This path and reflections of the suffering of Christ became known as the Stations of the Cross.
Today, the Stations are very popular with the faithful during the season of Lent as a Lenten devotional and are used by members of many Christian denominations to remind them visually of the love of Christ through His suffering and death. However, they can be used any time throughout the year as a way of connecting with the sacrifice of Jesus and our redemption.
The Stations of the Cross have been laid out at Fey Hill to replicate the half-mile distance that Jesus walked that Good Friday. There are fourteen stations and printed devotions and prayers are available to use as you walk the fourteen stations.
The Stations are available to be walked and from 8am until dark Monday through Saturday. The Stations are open to individuals and groups who wish to walk the Way of the Cross.
To reserve a time, call 210 771-9664 or email rev.davidaguthrie@gmail.com
