The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross, refer to the centuries-old tradition in which the Christian faithful would commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ. The fourteen stations include: Jesus is condemned to death; Jesus takes up his cross; Veronica wipes the fact of Jesus; Simeon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross; Jesus is nailed to the cross, etc.
Millions of people across ages and continents have walked the Way of the Cross either inside or outside of churches. They would prayerfully reflect on the suffering of Jesus and on the mystery of God’s love who shares in the trials and tribulations, pain and sorrow of his creatures. A form of spiritual pilgrimage, the Stations of the Cross helped countless women and men in their quest for a deep spiritual life and Christian commitment. Since the Middle Ages, the Franciscan friars have played a key role in spreading this devotional practice.
The Ecological Stations of Cross is a contemporary version of that ancient tradition of the Church. It invites to a spiritual path of ecological conversion. It challenges to hear the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth, to open one's eyes to various forms of social, environmental and racial injustice, to recognize them as part of the suffering of Christ in the world today.
The life, teaching, and mission of Jesus Christ were defined by his fierce love; one in radical solidarity with the poor, marginalized, and those who suffer. Those include other non-human members of earth's community of life, the entire ecosystems, and future generations. At the Ecological Stations of the Cross, we will hear a powerful selection of quotes from Saint John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. Those quotes and corresponded images have been selected by a group of Siena College students. Those quotes and images challenge us to see the world through God’s eyes of compassion; to make room in our hearts and minds for those rendered voiceless in our society, and to choose a path that leads to a more abundant life.
As we confront the specter of climate change catastrophe, the ecocide and many other threats to human civilization and live support system of our planet, we want to offer a Lenten, spiritual practice. It is a journey that point toward God’s radical, fearless love. The Way of the Cross aims to awaken within us ecological hope, harness the spiritual power within, and propel us on the path towards spiritual evolution and societal transformation.
Come, join us so that we may rise up as healers in the wounded world and carry on the mission of making all things new.
May we leave behind us a string of empty tombs.