From the earliest of days, followers of Jesus told the story of his passion, death and resurrection.  When pilgrims came to see Jerusalem, they were anxious to see the sites where Jesus was.  These sites become important holy connections with Jesus.  Eventually, following in the footsteps of the Lord, along the way of the cross, became a part of the pilgrimage visit.  The stations, as we know them today, came about when it was no longer easy or even possible to visit the holy sites.  In the 1500's, villages all over Europe started creating "replicas" of the way of the cross, with small shrines commemorating the places along the route in Jerusalem.  Eventually, these shrines became the set of 14 stations we now know and were placed in almost every Catholic Church in the world.

• The first part is a simple description of the scene.  It helps us be conscious of what the "meaning" of this station is for us. 
• The second part is the traditional prayer at each station.  Its words become more and more meaningful as we repeat them throughout the journey. 
• The third part is the contemplation of the scene.  This is a guided reflection on the power of the scene for me, to enter it more deeply and to lead to some experience of it personally. 
• The fourth part is my response.  This is expressed in my own words.  It is the place where the sorrow and gratitude flow from my heart.

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. 
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Our Father, Who art in heaven; hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen. 

Glory be to the Father and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 

Have mercy on us Lord. Have mercy on us Lord.

As I view the scene, I become moved by both outrage and gratitude. 

I look at Jesus.  His face.  The crown of thorns.  The blood.  His clothes stuck to the wounds on his back. 

Pilate washes his hands of the whole affair.  Jesus' hands are tied behind his back. 

This is for me.  That I might be free.  That I might have eternal life. 

As the journey begins I ask to be with Jesus.  To follow his journey. I express my love and thanks.

I contemplate the wood of that cross.  I imagine how heavy it is.  I reflect upon all it means that Jesus is carrying it. 

I look into his eyes.  It's all there. 

This is for me.  So I place myself with him in this journey.  In its anguish.  In his freedom and surrender.  In the love that must fill his heart. 

With sorrow and gratitude, I continue the journey.  Moved by the power of his love, I am drawn to him and express my love in the words that come to me.

I stare at the weakness in his eyes.  I can look at his whole body and see the exhaustion. 
As I behold him there on the ground, being roughly pulled up, I know forever how profoundly he understands my fatigue and my defeats. 

This is for me.  In grief and gratitude I want to let him remain there.  As I watch him stand again and gain an inner strength, I accept his love and express my thanks.

As I watch them in this place along the way, I contemplate the mystery of love's power to give strength. 

She knows the sorrow in every mother's heart, who has lost a child to tragedy or violence. 

I look at the two of them very carefully, and long for such love and such peace. 

This is for me.  Such incredible freedom.  The availability of a servant.  I find the words to express what is in my heart.

I look into his face and contemplate his struggle.  His weariness and fragility.  His impotence. 
I see how he looks at Simon, with utmost humility and gratitude. 

This is for me. So I feel anguish and gratitude.  I express my thanks that he can continue this journey.  That he has help.  That he knows my inability to carry my burden alone. 

I say what is in my heart, with deep feeling.

What does the face of Jesus hold for me?  What do I see, as I look deeply into his face? 
Can I try to comfort the agony and pain? Can I embrace him, with his face so covered with his passion? 

The veil I behold is a true icon of his gift of himself. This is for me.  In wonder and awe, I behold his face now wiped clean, and see the depth of his suffering in solidarity with all flesh. 

I say what I can say, to express my gratitude.

I contemplate Jesus brought very low.  As I behold him there on the ground, with all the agony taking its toll on him, I let my heart go out to him. 
I store up this image in my heart, knowing that I will never feel alone in my suffering or in any diminishment, with this image of Jesus on the ground before me. 

This is for me, so I express the feelings in my heart.

The Stations of the Cross plaques by Lynn Kircher, Sculptor, are made of bronze, and done in low, medium and high relief styles. The plaques measure 18 inches by 24 inches with the relief dimension protruding up to 6 inches, and are suitable for indoor or outdoor installation. Originally cast for Saint Bernard Catholic Church in Bella Vista, Arkansas, they took almost two years to sculpt. Each station will weather in bronze and copper tones, softened by the touching and stroking of viewers. Bronze invites touching, and is enriched by it.  Used by permission.