Way of the Cross
(Also called Stations of the Cross, Via Crucis, and Via Dolorosa). These names are used to signify either a series of pictures or tableaux representing certain scenes in the Passion of Christ. There are fourteen stations total. We are walking the actual path that Jesus walked. They are as follows:
1. Christ condemned to death;
2. the cross is laid upon him;
3. His first fall;
4. He meets His Blessed Mother;
5. Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross;
6. Christ's face is wiped by Veronica;
7. His second fall;
8. He meets the women of Jerusalem;
9. His third fall;
10. He is stripped of His garments;
11. His crucifixion;
12. His death on the cross;
13. His body is taken down from the cross; and
14. laid in the tomb.
The basement of this building has cisterns from Roman times. There are marks craved into the rock by Roman Solders. It was in this area that Jesus was taken after he was condemned to death. Here he was whipped before he was given his cross to carry to Golgotha.
Jesus is condemned to death:
At the first station, Jesus stands before the judge, Pilate who pronounces his sentence.