Way of the Cross, Stations of the Cross, Via Dolorosa.
These are names used to describe a series of pictures, sculptures,
or tableaux to depict certain episodes in the Passion of Christ on
His way to Golgotha.
Before the seventeenth century, there was not too
much agreement about which scenes were to compose the Way of the Cross.
The number varied in different countries and parishes but fourteen
is now the authorized number.
The purpose of the Stations is to enable the faithful
to make a pilgrimage, in spirit, to the scenes of Christ's painful
journey to the Cross. Over time, this has become one of the most popular
devotions. It is accomplished by moving from Station to Station with
certain prayers at each scene and sincere meditation on the theme
portrayed. The earliest use of the word Stations was by an English
pilgrim, William Wey, who visited the Holy Land in 1458, and 1462.
He described the way that was usual for the pilgrims of that time
to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Stations in churches were not at all common until
the late seventeenth century. Their popularity seemed to stem from
the indulgences attached. These
indulgences were previously attached to the holy places at Jerusalem.
Innocent X1 in 1686, realizing that not many people of the times could
journey to Jerusalem, granted the Franciscans the right to create
the Stations in their churches and said that all the indulgences attached
to the Jerusalem Stations would apply if the Franciscans made the
Way of the Cross in their own churches in the approved way. Benedict
X111 in 1726 extended the privilege to all the faithful. Since the
Stations may be made privately or publicly in any church, they are
suitable for all. |
