For centuries, Christians have sought ways to prayerfully reflect on the final moments of Jesus Christ’s life. One of the most enduring and powerful of these traditions is the Stations of the Cross.
If you’ve ever wondered about this devotion, a common first question is: how many stations are there? This guide will give you the answer and explore the rich history and practice behind them.
1. How Many Stations of the Cross Are There? The Simple Answer
For both the traditional and modern forms of the devotion, the answer is the same: there are 14 Stations of the Cross.
While the number is consistent, the specific events commemorated in each station can differ between two main versions. This is why it’s helpful to understand the distinction between the “Traditional Way of the Cross” and the more recent “Scriptural Way of the Cross.”
2. What Are the Stations of the Cross?
The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Crucis (Latin for “Way of the Cross”) or the Via Dolorosa (“Way of Sorrows”), is a devotion that commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
- A Brief History: The practice originated with early Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem who would walk the actual path Jesus took on his way to crucifixion at Calvary. Over time, as travel to the Holy Land became difficult, Christians began to replicate this pilgrimage locally by creating a series of images or sculptures depicting key moments from that journey. This allowed the faithful to walk with Christ in spirit without leaving their hometown.
- The Purpose of the Devotion: The goal is to provide a focal point for prayer and meditation. By moving from one station to the next, participants reflect on the suffering Jesus endured, deepening their understanding of the Christian belief in his sacrifice and redemption.
3. The 14 Traditional Stations of the Cross
This is the most well-known and widely practiced version, established by the 18th century. These 14 stations are a blend of events found in the Gospels and moments passed down through pious tradition. You will find these depicted in most Catholic churches.
- Jesus is condemned to death.
- Jesus is made to bear His cross.
- Jesus falls for the first time.
- Jesus meets His mother, Mary.
- Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross.
- Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
- Jesus falls for the second time.
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
- Jesus falls for the third time.
- Jesus is stripped of His garments.
- Jesus is nailed to the cross.
- Jesus dies on the cross.
- The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross.
- Jesus is laid in the tomb.
4. The Scriptural Way of the Cross: A Modern Alternative
In 1991, St. Pope John Paul II introduced an alternative version of the devotion. He saw a need for a Way of the Cross that was based entirely on events explicitly mentioned in the Christian Scriptures.
- Why a New Version Was Created: This version was created to provide a Way of the Cross that could be more universally used among different Christian denominations and for those who wished to meditate solely on events with a direct biblical foundation. Several of the traditional stations (like Jesus’s three falls or his meeting with Veronica) are based on tradition rather than a specific Gospel account.
- The 14 Scriptural Stations of the Cross:
- Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
- Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested.
- Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin.
- Jesus is denied by Peter.
- Jesus is judged by Pontius Pilate.
- Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns.
- Jesus bears His cross.
- Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene.
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
- Jesus is crucified.
- Jesus promises His Kingdom to the good thief.
- Jesus entrusts Mary and John to each other.
- Jesus dies on the cross.
- Jesus is placed in the tomb.
5. Comparing the Two Versions: A Side-by-Side Look
This table highlights the differences and similarities between the two forms of the devotion.
| Station # | Traditional Way of the Cross | Scriptural Way of the Cross |
| 1 | Jesus is condemned to death. | Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. |
| 2 | Jesus carries His cross. | Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested. |
| 3 | Jesus falls the first time. | Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin. |
| 4 | Jesus meets His mother, Mary. | Jesus is denied by Peter. |
| 5 | Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus. | Jesus is judged by Pontius Pilate. |
| 6 | Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. | Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns. |
| 7 | Jesus falls the second time. | Jesus bears His cross. |
| 8 | Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem. | Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene. |
| 9 | Jesus falls the third time. | Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem. |
| 10 | Jesus is stripped of His garments. | Jesus is crucified. |
| 11 | Jesus is nailed to the cross. | Jesus promises His Kingdom to the good thief. |
| 12 | Jesus dies on the cross. | Jesus entrusts Mary and John to each other. |
| 13 | Jesus is taken down from the cross. | Jesus dies on the cross. |
| 14 | Jesus is laid in the tomb. | Jesus is placed in the tomb. |
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(Events in bold are based on tradition, not explicit scriptural accounts.)
6. How the Stations of the Cross Are Practiced Today
This devotion is a staple of Christian life, especially within the Catholic tradition.
- When It’s Most Common: The Stations of the Cross are most frequently prayed during the season of Lent, particularly on Fridays, as a way to prepare for Holy Week and Easter.
- In a Church Service: A priest or deacon will typically lead a group from station to station, which are usually depicted as a series of 14 images or plaques along the church walls. At each station, there are prayers, readings, and a moment for personal reflection.
- Praying Privately: Many people also pray the stations privately. This can be done by physically walking the stations in a church or by using a booklet with prayers and images to meditate on each event from home.
A Simple Checklist for Praying the Stations
- [ ] Announce the station number and title (e.g., “The First Station: Jesus is condemned to death”).
- [ ] Recite a common prayer, such as “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.”
- [ ] Read the relevant scripture passage or a short meditation on the station’s event.
- [ ] Spend a moment in silent reflection or say a personal prayer.
- [ ] Conclude with a short prayer like the “Our Father” or “Hail Mary” before moving to the next station.
For more resources and the full text of the Scriptural Way of the Cross, you can visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website.
7. Conclusion: A Timeless Devotion in Two Forms
Whether following the time-honoured traditional path or the modern scriptural version, the number of Stations of the Cross remains constant at 14. This powerful devotion provides a structured yet deeply personal way for Christians to connect with the central story of their faith.
Takeaway
The Stations of the Cross is a 14-step devotion commemorating Jesus’s final hours. The Traditional version includes events from both scripture and long-standing tradition, while the Scriptural version, introduced by St. Pope John Paul II, is based solely on events found in the Bible.
Both forms serve as a profound spiritual pilgrimage, guiding the faithful through the sorrow of the Passion and toward the hope of the Resurrection.
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