The Stations of the Cross With Pope John Paul II - Father Joseph M. Champlin and Gunter Grady

The Stations of the Cross With Pope John Paul II
Father Joseph M. Champlin
Gunter Grady (Illustrator)
Liguori Publications
ISBN 9780892436798
eISBN 9780764864643
ASIN B07G5JQ9W7
 

This version of the “Way of the Cross” was an amazon recommendation based on another that I had finished. It was very reasonably priced, and I picked it up right away and prayed through it a few days later. Most lent’s I pick 2 or 3 versions and use them as my mainstays through lent. But in 2020 I have read and used many different versions. I am writing this review at the beginning of Holy Week and so far, this year have used almost a dozen different version.

This specific version is from Good Friday, 1991. It was first used by then Pope John Paul II who lead a crowd through the stations at the Colosseum. The booklet is designed so it can be used for both public or private devotion. And like some newer versions this one has a fifteenth station ‘Jesus Rises From the Dead’.

I have mixed feelings about this edition. I appreciate the text. I am starting after many years to get more comfortable with the fifteenth station. The illustrations are hit and miss. Some I love and some are more meh. I have included some of the ones I love.

This is a good version. And I am thankful to have it in my mix now. Father Champlin in the introduction states:

“When parishes or groups celebrate these stations publicly, they may be done in the context of Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The Eucharist is at once a memorial of the Lord’s passion and death as well as the Real Presence of the risen Christ in our midst. Integration of the stations with a eucharistic devotional service seems, therefore, theologically sound, liturgically appropriate, and pastorally wise. You may wish to refer to Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, numbers 79–100, for further guidelines and directives concerning eucharistic Exposition and Benediction, as well as an outline of the rite itself.”

And if we were able that would be a wonderful way to work through this devotion. But it also works well as a personal form of prayer, devotion and piety.


Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Link to other Lent Resources.