Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross (or Way of the
Cross; in Latin, Via Crucis; also called the Via Dolorosa or Way
of Sorrows, or simply, The Way) is a series of artistic
representations, very often sculptural, depicting Christ
Carrying the Cross to his crucifixion in the final hours (or
Passion) of Jesus before he died, and the devotions using that
series to commemorate the Passion, often moving physically
around a set of stations. The vast majority of Roman Catholic
churches now contain such a series, typically placed at
intervals along the side walls of the nave; in most churches
these are small plaques with reliefs or paintings, simpler than
most of the examples shown here. The tradition as chapel
devotion began with St. Francis of Assisi and extended
throughout the Roman Catholic Church in the medieval period. It
is commonly observed in Lutheranism, and amongst the Anglo-
Catholic wing of Anglicanism. It may be done at any time, but is
most commonly done during the Season of Lent, especially on G