The Significance of Stations of the Cross

Evelyn Bulao | St. Francis of Assisi Parish La Verna

It is Lent Season again. We just had the Ash Wednesday last February 18, while the first and second Friday for Stations of the Cross were observed last February 20 and 27. This article will talk about the significance of the stations of the cross. I interviewed three church laity who do not fail to attend the stations of the cross every lent. They are: Francis Elixer Tupaz, 24 years old; Evelyn Bulao, 60 years old; and Jeandy Ventura, 47 years old. All of them shared that they started joining the stations of the cross since they were young, a tradition that they still observed until now.

I started joining stations of the cross since I was 12 years old, I was in 1st year high school then. This religious activity is significant to me because it reminds me of the sacrifices Jesus experienced just to save us from our sins. By joining the stations of the cross during the Fridays of the Lent Season is my way of expressing my gratitude for Jesus’ paschal mystery: the Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

Jeandy Ventura | San Roque Parish – Malabog

I began joining the stations of the cross when I was still in elementary school, as I was an active choir member at GKK Sto. Nino in Panacan Relocation. This is a devotional practice and is very significant because it shaped me in deeper ways overtime. First, from participation to leadership. Before, I participated as a choir member. But now, I already guide others in proclaiming and reflecting the Word. The devotion has moved from something I attended to something that I organize and lead. Second, it deepened my understanding on the word. As a lector and commentator coordinator, I am responsible for ensuring that scriptures and reflections are delivered meaningfully. Third, for spiritual maturity, it may have started as a childhood church activity but it has become a lifelong spiritual discipline. Lastly, it is a witness of commitment, my consistency from my elementary days until now shows dedication. It became a testimony to others that faith is not seasonal but lifelong. In essence the significance of this activity is not just tradition but it reflects on my spiritual growth, servant leadership, and continued commitment to guiding others closer to God through prayer and reflection as a coordinator of Lectors and Commentators ministry.

Francis Elixer Tupaz | San Pedro Cathedral Parish

I first joined the Stations of the Cross with my mother and sister when I was still young. We would visit different chrches in Davao City during holy week. That experience of joining Stations of the Cross became a meaningful tradition of the family. Looking back to it now, the Cross has become significant to me. It allows me to reflect deeply on Christ’s immense love for us — how He willingly suffered and died to save us from sin and eternal death. Each year this devotion renews my gratitude, strengthens my faith, and calls me to live more faithfully as His disciple.