Stations of the Cross

For centuries, Christians have prayed the Stations of the Cross, travelling in our hearts  the path of suffering walked by Jesus. The Stations originated when early Christians visited Jerusalem and wanted to follow literally in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s house to Calvary. They would pause for prayer and devotion at various points. Eventually those pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries.

In the late fourteenth century the Franciscans were given the responsibility for the holy places of Jerusalem and they erected tableaux to aid the devotion of the visitors. St Bene’t’s was for much of the last century led by Anglican Franciscan brothers, and it was during that time that the present Stations were installed at St Bene’t’s. 

Praying the Stations of the Cross

1. Begin by the sculpture of Jesus with the two thieves, at the east end of the North aisle (the aisle with no pews).

2. There are 14 stations, travelling clockwise — down the North aisle from the east (altar end) to the font, and then up the South aisle from west to east.

   Click the button below to begin your journey.