Examples of Stations of the Cross Interpretive Art

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Stations of the Cross Service (told through parishioner artwork)

Tuesday, March 31, come at 5:30 p.m.

During Lent, the Intergenerational Team is leading an artistic Stations of the Cross (“Way of the Cross”) project, culminating in a service where each station is represented by artwork created by St. Paul’s parishioners. Please see below to learn more about the "Way of the Cross" and see service details.

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What is the “Stations of the Cross” or “Way of the Cross”?

The devotion known as the “Way of the Cross” is an adaptation to local usage of a custom widely observed by pilgrims to Jerusalem: the offering of prayer at a series of places in that city traditionally associated with Jesus’ passion and death.

The number of stations, which at first varied widely, finally became fixed at 14 by Clement XII in 1731. Of these, eight were based directly on events recorded in the Gospels. The remaining six (numbers 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 13) are based on inferences from the Gospel account or from pious legend. The selection of stations presented here all have their root in the biblical story of Jesus rather than drawing on legend. 

Traditionally, the stations are made before a series of plain wooden crosses placed along the walls of the church or in some other convenient place. With each cross there is sometimes associated a pictorial representation of the event being commemorated.

At St. Paul’s, the service will be adapted with individuals, groups, and families creating each station during Lent. Each "artist" was provided with one 16”x20” blank stretched canvas to interpret and bring their selected station to life in their own unique way.

Service Details

All are invited to the Stations of the Cross service at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, featuring this parishioner artwork. Please plan to arrive early and gather in the Parish Hall for light snacks at 5:30 p.m., from where we’ll proceed together to the sanctuary to pray and walk the stations. This service is inviting, welcoming, and appropriate for people of all ages. 

 The 14 stations are (see below for descriptions or click here for a printable version):

1. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

2. Jesus is betrayed

3. Jesus is condemned

4. Peter denies Jesus

5. Pilate judges Jesus

6. Jesus crowned with thorns

7. Jesus carries the cross

8.  Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross

9. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

10. Jesus is crucified

11. Jesus promises the kingdom of the thief

12. Jesus on the cross

13. Jesus dies on the cross

14. Jesus is laid in the tomb

If you have questions, please click here to email the Rev. Devon Anderson, or call her at 317.253.1277.