The Way of the Cross

The Way of the Cross - Liguori St. Alphonsus Liguori
Baron-Cotton Inc.

The Way of the Cross according to the method of St. Alphonsus Liguori is one of the most popular and best-loved Way of the Cross ever. Each station has traditional pictures of mosaics . The Stabat Mater is printed in both Latin and in English. This is the version I used to pray with my grandmother when I was young.

Way of the Cross
Pope Benedict XVI
Pauline Press
0819883085

This is a new one for me, with amazing artwork and deep meditations. As a new read on an old topic this one really shook things up for me. It drew me in to the meditations and prayers in a new and intriguing ways.

Way of the Cross
St. Josemaria Escriva
Scepter Publication
0906138078

Yet another new one for me this year, this one has a unique feature that is very challenging, each of the stations has a series of 5 ‘points for meditation’ at the end of the chapter. These points can be used collectively for a long meditation or can be used one by one on successive readings. This one is also awesome to do as a group with friends, family or at church. Escriva who was the founder of Opus Dei really takes a reader deep into the mysteries of the passion of Jesus Christ.


The Way of the Cross
Caryll Houselander
Liguori Press
0764808532

This is a reprinting of an older version that was originally published in the 1950’s. This author enjoyed great popularity for her spiritual writings in the 40’s and 50’s. I came across this one last year but only got around to reading it this year. It has an a meditation between 4 and 8 pages per station. It also has woodcut prints by the author at the beginning of each chapter. Also each chapter ends with a prayer composed to tie the meditation to our own lives. The meditations in this edition go much deeper than some of the others. The reflections lead to deep introspection.

everyone’s way of the cross
Clarence Enzler
Ave Maria Press
0877933383

This is the edition I have been using for years. It was originally published as ‘everyman’s way of the cross’ and has sold over 2 million copies. The photo’s accompanying each meditation are black and white photo’s of everyday life; an apartment building someone in a library, an old man sitting in a park. These down to earth pictures help bring the meditations hope to today and now.

But the focus of all of these gems is to draw us closer to God, to draw us closer to others and to help us seek the Spirit’s help to deepen our roots so that our faith will be stronger and we can live to serve others.

This article is continued in The Way of the Cross Part II.

All reviews of Stations of the Cross.