MEANING AND ORIGIN OF THE VIA CRUCIS
The expression in Latin "Via Crucis" means "the way of the Cross". and refers to Christ's journey to Calvary where he was crucified. It is also known as "Via Crucis" to one of the oldest devotions practiced by Catholics: the "Way of the Cross". meditated prayer of the sufferings of Christ from the time he is condemned to death in Pilate's praetorium until his burial.
Its origin dates back to the first centuries of Christianity in Jerusalemwhere Christians took up the custom of to walk the Via Dolorosa in an attitude of prayer and recollection. Since the peace of Constantine, pilgrimages to the Holy Places have increased and Christians returning from Jerusalem to their places of origin erected small "Calvaries" where they could venerate the Passion of Christ. This pious practice evolved and spread until it became what we know today as the Stations of the Cross, a prayer divided into fourteen steps or stations, which correspond to scenes present in the Gospel or added by the Christian tradition.
The Franciscans, in charge of guarding the Holy Places in the 14th century, strongly propagated this devotion, as did Blessed Alvaro de Córdoba (15th century) and, later, Saint Leonard of Port Maurice (18th century).
There are fourteen Stations of the Cross:
First stationJesus is condemned to death.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Second stationJesus carries the Cross.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Third stationJesus falls for the first time.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Fourth stationJesus meets the Blessed Virgin.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Fifth stationSimon helps Jesus to carry the Cross.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Sixth stationVeronica wipes the face of Jesus.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Seventh StationJesus falls for the second time.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Eighth stationJesus consoles the women who weep for him.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Ninth stationJesus falls for the third time.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Tenth stationJesus is stripped of his garments.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Eleventh stationJesus is nailed to the cross.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Twelfth stationJesus dies on the cross.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Thirteenth stationJesus is taken down from the cross and placed in the arms of Mary, his mother.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
Fourteenth stationThey bury the body of Jesus.
Stations of the Cross made in Arte Granda. Material polychrome resin.
There are many styles of Stations of the Cross made in different materials and with different techniques. Here you can see some samples of Stations of the Cross made in our workshops:
