The Way of the Cross

• The Way of the Cross is a popular

devotion reflecting on Christ’s passion,
death, and resurrection. This originated
from the pious practice of the early
Christian pilgrims who traced the path of
Christ’s suffering through Jerusalem on
the Via Dolorosa.
• By praying the Way of the Cross, we
heed more fully Lent’s call to conversion
and renewal.

Photo by Sem. Paul Novilla

Blessed are they who pray with the
young, for they shall walk with
Christ – the eternally young.

• Though this is a Way of the Cross intended for our youth, it

doesn’t mean that those past their teenage years could no
longer make use of this form of Via Crucis. When the old
embrace the youth in their prayer, they are made young
at heart.
 Blessed are those who make
space for Christ, for they shall
be filled with peace.
• Your disposition is important. At the DYWC, give space for
God even if it means sacrificing on your part (i.e. not using
your phones, refraining from chatting with your fellow
delegate while praying the Via Crucis). Follow Christ in his
footsteps – in his suffering and death. Focus on him. Unite
your sufferings to his.
 Blessed are those who humbly
beg for God’s grace, for they
shall be satisfied.
• What are you looking for (John 1:38)? As you pray the
YWC, bring to this spiritual journey your special
intentions. Ask the Lord for a particular grace that aligns
with your heart’s desire. Pray also for the people that also
ask for your prayers.
Blessed are those who take time
for God, for they shall find
themselves embraced by love.
• When you pray, do not rush. Take time to pause. Read with clarity
and understanding. Be spontaneous – be yourself before God. Listen
intently to the readings and meditations. In making time for prayer,
we make ourselves available for that great embrace of God.
Blessed are those who sing well,
for they shall pray twice.
(St. Augustine)
• Join in singing the songs. We have the “Way of the Cross” song to
accompany us in prayer. Sing the refrain until you reach the next station.
Sing the refrain and verse after you have announced/done the Fides in
Actio. The first verse, for instance, is proper to the first station. After the
14th Station, sing the song entitled, “We Remember.” Don’t be afraid if
you don’t have an operatic voice. Sing anyway and with much faith
and kindness of those who hear you sing.
 Blessed are they who flow
with the letter of their prayer
guide, for the Holy Spirit
shall be their guide.
• The Via Crucis is structured according to the Lectio
Divina, a method of praying with the Scriptures.
Here’s how it is done:
• The prayer leader recites aloud the opening line and
announces each station.
• CONTEMPLATIO (Contemplate). Everyone spends a
moment of prayerful silence.
• When the leader says: “We adore you, O Christ, and we
praise you,” everyone genuflects as they respond:
“Because, by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the
world.”
• LECTIO (Reading). The prayer leader proclaims the
Word.
• MEDITATIO (Meditation). The prayer leader
alone reads the corresponding meditation for the
station, the rest listens attentively and reads quietly.
• ORATIO (Prayer). Everyone in unison recites the
prayer proper to the station.
• FIDES IN ACTIO (Faith in Action). The prayer
leader reads the challenge to be done in the station.
• Everyone sings the refrain and a line from the
“Way of the Cross” song corresponding to each
station. Afterward, proceed to the next station
while repeatedly singing the refrain.
 Blessed are they who act in the
light of faith, for God’s light
shines radiantly through them.
• After ORATIO, follows a section called FIDES IN ACTIO (Latin for
FAITH IN ACTION). These are things you can do or questions you
could ask yourself this Lenten season. Note that there are actions you
could do during the praying of the Way of the Cross.
Blessed are those who follow the
Way, for they will finish the
race and keep the faith.
• Ultimately, the Way of the Cross is about following the Lord in his
passion, death, and resurrection. Embrace it and pattern your life to it.
May it inspire you to recognize, embrace, and carry your cross daily, for
our crosses are measured and tailored according to our capacity.
Following Jesus in the Via Crucis does
not end in the 14th Station.
It goes on daily. His resurrection is only
the beginning. His resurrection prepares,
compels, and leads us to a mission.
 May Christ, who suffered for our
sake, the Good Shepherd, guide and
teach us many things, as we carry our
cross each day on the Way of the
Cross – the way where Christ
teaches us.