The Stations of the Cross is a devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. Christians walk through 14 images or statues that depict scenes of His ordeal – from His arrest to His suffering to His death.
The scenes portrayed in the 14 traditional stations are (1) Pontius Pilate condemns Jesus Christ to death; (2) Jesus carries the cross; (3) Jesus falls for the first time; (4) Jesus meets His Blessed Mother; (5) Simon of Cyrene helps to carry the cross; (6) Veronica wipes the face of Jesus; (7) Jesus falls for the second time; (8) Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem; (9) Jesus falls for the third time; (10) Jesus is stripped of His garments; (11) Jesus is nailed to the cross; (12) Jesus dies on the cross; (13) Jesus is taken down from the cross; (14) Jesus is laid in the tomb.
Catholic churches usually have permanent exhibition of the stations – they could be images on frames or statues in varying sizes – for devotees to visit anytime of the year. However, the changing times have brought the stations outside of the church’s confines.
While walking through the stations in church is the common way to do the devotional act, many are now opting for a different route. During Holy Week, particularly on Good Friday, some Christians in different parts of the globe observe the Stations of the Cross in shrines, in schools and in malls.
Here in the Philippines, Christians can also pay their respects and offer prayers at Stations of the Cross in non-traditional public spaces. The idea is not only to modernize a centuries-old tradition, but to make it more accessible and relevant to the younger population.
Crosses in a commercial area
For the eighth time this year, Church Simplified, an independent organization, is mounting “Walkway: Reflections on the Stations of the Cross” along the stretch of Bonifacio High Street at Bonifacio Global City from March 20 (Palm Sunday) to March 27 (Easter Sunday).
“Walkway” is an interactive installation art exhibit that “gives a personal twist to the Stations of the Cross.” Each station is meant to be as interactive as it is reflective.
Each of the 14 installations depicting the Passion of Christ is a three-sided, 12×8-ft. panel where visitors can read descriptions and at the same time experience Jesus’ ordeal. Some stations ask visitors to write down their reflections after a silent contemplation.
“It deliberately asks you to remember a particular part of Jesus’ passion story and find how this relates to your everyday life,” Church Simplified director Bebo Bharwani told The Standard LIFE.
“For a few days each year, the center of commerce and entertainment is turned into a Sanctuary. And while that might sound a little off, it actually isn’t,” says Bharwani.
While it is customary to do the Stations of the Cross in the solemnity of the church, Bharwani believes that it is good to note that the actual event did not happen in seclusion.
“It happened in the center of the city – publicly. The cross was the scandal for all to see,” he stresses. “And it that sense, ‘Walkway’ gives a bit of that experience.”
For this year, much like in the past three years, “Walkway” will focus on the characters involved in the crucifixion – people who mostly messed up, but still found the grace in the person of Jesus.
“Walkway,” however, does not intend to replace the tradition of Stations of the Cross by offering a unique take in a rather unconventional location.
“We’re trying to achieve what all churches hope for – to slow people down to think about their lives, their faith, their relationships. And to take a pulse about where they’re at, to see if all is well with their soul, and maybe move them to making adjustments where they need to,” explains Bharwani.
“Doing the ‘stations’ traditionally is its own rich experience. ‘Walkway’ is something for people to add on,” clarifies Bharwani.
The eight-day exhibit will culminate in a free concert featuring American alternative rock band Switchfoot on Easter Sunday.
The event is open to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Reflections in the campus
The Catholic University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, has also mounted Stations of the Cross within the campus premises.
According to the UST Public Affairs Office, the Stations of the Cross is located at the front of the Main Building. Students, faculty members and even non-Thomasians are welcome to visit and offer a short prayer at each of the 14 stations.
The Stations of the Cross will be open until Easter Sunday, March 27.
Stations up in the hills
Kamay ni Hesus (Hand of Jesus) in Lucban, Quezon is a popular destination of pilgrims during Holy Week. People flock to the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church, the grotto area and the 50-foot statue of the Ascending Christ – with the latter requiring pilgrims to climb 300+ steps to reach the summit.
Aside from the life-sized replicas of Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark and The Last Supper, visitors can also check out the life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross located in the grotto area.
While devotees visit each station, they can also get to revel in the the amazing view of the mystical Mt. Banawe and the town of Lucban.
Kamay ni Hesus is located roughly two to three hours from Manila via South Luzon Expressway.
Passion of Christ in Tacloban City
In Serin district in Tacloban City, pilgrims can climb the concrete steps leading up to the Calvary Hill to visit the life-size statues depicting the Passion of Christ.
The statues of Jesus Christ and other Biblical personages who are part of the event are arranged according to the order of the 14 Stations of the Cross. Each statue is made of pure cement and painted in white.
The place is open all year round. It can be reached through Torres Street in Tacloban City, Leyte.
