The liturgical season of Lent is a time of preparation and renewal—a season preceding the joyful celebration of Easter in which Catholic families can deepen their faith and grow closer to God through the practices of prayer, penance, and almsgiving.

This article explores the meaning and history of the Stations of the Cross, a cherished Lenten devotion that can help Catholic families walk the way of the cross during Lent. Download a free printable Stations of the Cross Prayer and Reflection Guide offering Scripture, reflections, and prayers to accompany this powerful spiritual practice.

What Are the Stations of the Cross?

One of the most cherished ways to journey through Lent is by observing the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross are a Catholic devotion. Fourteen stations depict a series of 14 events that recount the condemnation, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. Each station is typically depicted through artwork, statues, stained glass, or images placed along a path. Catholics pray their way through these stations, reflecting on Jesus’s suffering and death. The Stations of the Cross are also known as the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis.

The 14 Stations of the Cross are:

1. Jesus is condemned to death.
2. Jesus takes up his cross.
3. Jesus falls for the first time.
4. Jesus meets his Mother.
5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross.
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
7. Jesus falls for the second time.
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
9. Jesus falls for the third time.
10. Jesus is stripped of his clothes.
11. Jesus is nailed to the cross.
12. Jesus dies forgiving those who crucified him.
13. The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross.
14. Jesus is placed in the tomb.

The History of the Stations of the Cross

The practice of the Stations of the Cross is rooted in pilgrimage. Early Christians traveled to Jerusalem to walk the Via Crucis—the route that Jesus followed on the way to his crucifixion in Calvary. They stopped at points along the way to reflect on Jesus’s suffering.

Over time, Christian communities began recreating the Via Crucis in their own churches. By the 14th century, it became a common Lenten devotion, making this special pilgrimage more accessible to all Catholics. The Stations of the Cross can now be found in almost every church worldwide!

The Meaning of the Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross offer a profound reflection on the Passion of Jesus Christ. The stations feature moments in Jesus’s suffering. Through these stations, Catholics are reminded that Jesus Christ understands our suffering and is always with us. As they walk alongside Jesus on the Stations of the Cross, families have an opportunity to consider Jesus’s sacrifice and witness his love despite rejection, loneliness, and suffering.

The cross is not just a symbol of Christ’s suffering. It is a symbol of salvation and hope. Jesus Christ offers new life and redemption through his suffering, death, and resurrection. The Stations of the Cross are a reminder, during Lent or anytime, that Jesus is always with our Catholic families offering his mercy and love.

How to Pray the Stations of the Cross as a Catholic Family

Whether you’re at church or at home, there are many ways you can make the Stations of the Cross devotion a meaningful part of your family’s Lenten practice. Here are some simple suggestions:

Set Aside Time During Lent

Lent is a season for prayer and reflection. The Stations of the Cross are an opportunity to focus on Jesus’s suffering and prepare hearts for Easter, the joyful season of resurrection and new life. Set a goal for participating in the Stations of the Cross, whether once or multiple times.

If possible, attend Mass together and participate in the Stations of the Cross at your church. If you’re not able to make it, create your own “stations” at home—there are resources from the USCCB and the Vatican that include printable prayers and guides to help you listen or follow along.

Keep it Simple and Engaging for Families

To make the Station of the Cross more accessible for all family members, consider using a guide. This is especially helpful for younger children or anyone new to the devotion. The Stations of the Cross Prayer and Reflection Guide can lead families through the stations with prayer, Scripture, reflection, and discussion.

When praying each station, here’s a simple structure that families can follow:

• Opening Prayer: Begin with the traditional prayer, “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.”
• Scripture Reading: Read aloud a brief Scripture passage that reminds us of each station or a Scriptural version of the Stations of the Cross.
• Reflection: Allow time for each family member to offer their own silent prayers and reflections.
• Discussion: Talk together about themes related to the station.
• Closing Prayer: End with a prayer of thanksgiving and ask God for strength and perseverance.

Reflect as a Family 

What makes the Stations of the Cross a powerful popular practice is not just the external prayers, but also the internal reflection they invite. After prayerfully experiencing each station, take time as a family to talk about what it means. Dialogue in response to open-ended questions, such as:

• What can we learn about Jesus’ love for us from this station?
• What connections can we draw between this station and our family’s own challenges or struggles?
• How can our family support and serve those who are suffering?

These discussions can help families better understand Jesus Christ’s suffering and ways that they can reflect and amplify God’s love in the world today, within the family and beyond.

Get Catholic Kids Involved 

All family members can actively participate in the Stations of the Cross. Here are a few ways to involve the youngest family members.

• Use art: Provide craft supplies to make simple images or markers for each Station of the Cross. Children can help decorate them or color in images that depict the events of Christ’s Passion as you discuss each one.
• Act them out: Your local parish may have an opportunity for a living Stations of the Cross in which children are invited to participate. If not, consider hosting one for your own and extended family. Children can take turns acting out each station, helping the audience visualize and connect with the events of Christ’s journey.
• Sing and pray: Sing a traditional hymn between each station together, like “Were You There?” or “We Remember.” Or create short prayers that all family members can easily repeat during your participation in the devotion.

The Stations of the Cross are a powerful way for families to observe the liturgical season of Lent as they grow together in faith. Whether in their parish church or at home, the Stations of the Cross offer Catholic families an opportunity to walk “the way of the cross” with love and hope alongside Jesus Christ.

Looking for more ways to celebrate Lent? Find a daily activity for each of Lent’s 40 days and learn more about this penitential season of preparation.