Activity 3
3. Pray the Stations of the Cross at Pilgrim Center of Hope.
- What are the Stations of the Cross? Also known as the “Way of the Cross,” the Via Crucis, and the Via Dolorosa; they commemorate 14 key events on the day of Christ’s crucifixion, his final walk through the streets of Jerusalem, carrying the Cross. The Stations originated in medieval Europe when wars prevented Christian pilgrims from visiting the Holy Land. European artists created works depicting scenes of Christ’s journey to Calvary. The faithful installed these sculptures or paintings at intervals along a procession route, inside the parish church or outdoors. Performing the devotion meant walking the entire route, stopping to pray at each “station.” Today, images of the Stations (or simple crosses representing them) are on display in almost all Catholic churches. They serve mainly as a focus for Lenten worship services, but the Stations can also be prayed privately, at any time of the year.
- How do I pray the Stations of the Cross? We have booklets available for you to use with the meditation guide and prayers that can be prayed aloud or silently as you walk through each Station.
- Where are the Outdoor Stations of the Cross? - Pilgrim Center of Hope's Stations of the Cross pilgrim pathway is a landscaped, fine gravel pathway that winds through the Prayer Garden on our acreage. The Garden includes various flora from the Holy Land, as well as a 'Boat' seating area reminiscent of the boats Holy Land pilgrims use on the Sea of Galilee today.
- A few benches are included throughout the pilgrim pathway for periodic rest.
- Seating is available inside the boat, with shade sails.
- Picnic tables are available if you would like to eat during your visit. Kindly keep this holy ground clean by picking up any trash.
- Is there an indoor option? - Pilgrims who prefer not to walk outside may pray the Stations of the Cross in Gethsemane Chapel. Miniature Stations of the Cross are hung on the Chapel walls, each embedded with a piece of soil from that very Station in Jerusalem.
- When are the Stations available? - The Stations of the Cross are normally available for public visits during weekday open hours. If you plan to make your pilgrimage, we invite you to contact us to ensure that the area is not reserved for a group.
