In our Catholic Parish of Seaford, Newhaven, and Peacehaven, we invite you to join us in praying the Stations of the Cross each week during Lent:

  • Fridays at 7:00 PM – St Thomas More Church, Seaford
  • Sundays at 3:00 PM – The Church of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, Peacehaven

 

This is a time for us to gather as a faith community, meditate on Christ’s Passion, and deepen our Lenten journey together. Whether you have prayed the Stations of the Cross many times or are experiencing this devotion for the first time, we encourage you to come and be part of this powerful tradition.

 

The History and Meaning of the Stations of the Cross

A Tradition of Prayer and Reflection

The Stations of the Cross is a deeply cherished Catholic devotion that allows the faithful to spiritually accompany Jesus Christ on His journey to Calvary. This practice traces its origins to the early Christians who visited the actual sites of Christ’s Passion in Jerusalem. Over time, the Franciscans—who were entrusted with the care of the Holy Land in the 13th century—developed a way for believers to experience this pilgrimage without leaving their own communities. They established stations in churches, monasteries, and public places, marking significant moments of Jesus’ suffering and death.

 

By the 18th century, Pope Clement XII granted universal permission for the Stations of the Cross to be set up in all Catholic churches. Since then, this devotion has been an integral part of Lenten spirituality, inviting Catholics worldwide to meditate on Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity.

 

Why Do We Pray the Stations of the Cross in Lent?

 

Lent is a sacred time of penance, reflection, and preparation for the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter. The Stations of the Cross help us enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, reminding us of His love and the price He paid for our salvation.

 

Through this devotion, we:

  • Walk with Christ in His suffering and death.
  • Grow in compassion by meditating on His pain and sacrifice.
  • Renew our faith by contemplating the victory of the Cross.

 

By journeying through the Stations, we unite our own struggles with Christ’s, finding strength in His endurance and mercy.

 

Let us walk with Christ this Lent, embracing the way of the Cross and preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter.