It is believed that after the crucifixion, Mary, the mother of Jesus often retraced the sorrowful way of her Son from Pilate’s court to Calvary on Good Friday. In the early years of the Church, the way of the cross began as pious pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem to retrace the journey of Jesus on the Via Dolorosa. It is for those who could not go to Jerusalem that the practice developed to recall Jesus’ stops on the way to Calvary by fourteen sculptured images that illustrate each stop.
Opening Prayer ACT OF CONTRITION
O my God, my Redeemer, behold me here at Thy feet. From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry for all my sins, because by them I have offended Thee, Who art infinitely good. I will die rather than offend thee again.