Via Crucis of Holy Week: what are the 14 seasons?

Since the first centuries after Christ, different parts of Jerusalem they were marked to pray the seasons of the step of jesus with the cross. The tradition of praying in these places, known as the Via Dolorosa, dates back thousands of years and over time has begun to become more common in the West.

Although the Stations of the Cross were normally 14, as the route of Jesus’ ascent to Mount Calvary up to his burial is known, the faithful added a possible °15 partwhich includes the resurrection after death on the cross.

Several churches display pictures of the Via Dolorosa along its route, where the faithful can meditate or reflect about the meaning of each. Additionally, there is a specific prayer for each season, depending on the region or religious community.

What are the Stations of the Cross?

According to Catholic tradition, each image of Jesus’ suffering for the salvation of mankind is shown at a station, which has a particular prayer. The seasons are:

• First station: Jesus is condemned to death.
• Second station: Jesus carries the cross.
• Third station: Jesus falls for the first time.
• Fourth station: Jesus meets Mary, his Blessed Mother.
• Fifth station: Simon of Cyrene helps carry Jesus’ cross.
• Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.
• Seventh station: Jesus falls for the second time.
• Eighth Station: Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem.
• Ninth station: Jesus falls for the third time.
• Tenth station: Jesus is stripped of his clothes.
• Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the Cross.
• Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the Cross.
• Thirteenth station: Jesus is taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of the Mother.
• Fourteenth station: Jesus is buried.

Origin of the Via Crucis

When the tradition of praying the Stations of the Cross began in Jerusalem, there were a large number of them pilgrims who traveled from Europe to the city to commemorate the Passion of Christ. However, this trip was not cheap and easy, so many churches in the 15th and 16th centuries They started planning their own tour.

One of the first was the Dominican convent in Córdoba, Spain, built by Blessed Alvaro of Cordoba. The right to erect one’s own Via Crucis was granted by the pope Innocent XI in 1686 and declared that the indulgences previously obtained for performing it in Jerusalem could be obtained in the new circuits.