Origins of the Stations of the Cross

The devotion has its roots in the early Christian practice of pilgrimage to Jerusalem. As far back as the 4th century, after Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity and the Holy Land became accessible, pilgrims began visiting sites associated with Jesus’ life, including those of his Passion. They would walk the Via Dolorosa ("Sorrowful Way"), the path tradition holds Jesus took to Golgotha, stopping at key points to pray and reflect. The Byzantine Empress Helena, Constantine’s mother, played a role in this by identifying and preserving these holy sites, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

By the 5th and 6th centuries, accounts from pilgrims like Egeria and the anonymous "Piacenza Pilgrim" describe processions and prayers at specific stops along this route. However, the exact number and nature of these stops varied, and there wasn’t yet a standardized devotion.

Medieval Evolution

The Stations of the Cross as a structured devotion began to take shape in Europe during the Middle Ages, largely because pilgrimage to Jerusalem became dangerous or impractical due to Muslim control of the region after the 7th century and later the Crusades (11th–13th centuries). Christians in Europe sought ways to replicate the experience locally.

• Early Forms: By the 13th century, the Franciscans, who were granted custody of the Holy Land sites in 1342 by Pope Clement VI, became key promoters of the devotion. They encouraged the faithful to meditate on Christ’s Passion by creating representations of the Via Dolorosa in their churches and monasteries. Early versions varied widely, with anywhere from 7 to 37 stations, depending on local traditions.
• Influence of Mysticism: Medieval mystics, like St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Francis of Assisi, emphasized personal, emotional connection to Christ’s suffering, which fueled the devotion’s popularity. St. Francis’ own meditations on the Passion, along with the Franciscans’ efforts, helped standardize the practice.

Standardization in the 17th–18th Centuries

The modern form of 14 stations began to solidify in the 17th century, largely through the work of the Franciscans and other religious orders. A key figure was Leonard of Port Maurice (1676–1751), an Italian Franciscan preacher who tirelessly promoted the devotion. He erected hundreds of Stations of the Cross across Italy, including a famous set at the Colosseum in Rome in 1750, encouraging its use as a Lenten practice. His efforts led to its widespread adoption in Catholic churches.

The traditional 14 stations, based on a mix of scriptural accounts and pious tradition, were largely fixed by this time:

1. Jesus is condemned to death
2. Jesus carries his cross
3. Jesus falls the first time
4. Jesus meets his mother
5. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
7. Jesus falls the second time
8. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9. Jesus falls the third time
10. Jesus is stripped of his garments
11. Jesus is nailed to the cross
12. Jesus dies on the cross
13. Jesus is taken down from the cross
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb

Some of these (e.g., Veronica’s veil, the three falls) are not explicitly in the Gospels but stem from centuries-old Christian tradition and apocryphal sources like the Acts of Pilate.

Modern Practice

In 1731, Pope Clement XII officially approved the Stations as a devotion and granted indulgences for its practice, cementing its place in Catholic spirituality. By the 19th century, it became common to see Stations of the Cross—often as plaques or images—installed in Catholic churches worldwide, allowing the faithful to "walk" the Way of the Cross without leaving their parish.

In the 20th century, Pope John Paul II introduced an alternative, scripturally based version in 1991, used occasionally in papal celebrations, which eliminates non-biblical stations (like Veronica’s veil) and adds events like Jesus’ agony in the garden. However, the traditional 14 stations remain the most widely practiced.

Cultural Impact

The Stations have inspired art, music, and literature across centuries—think of the vivid depictions in European churches or the haunting settings in Passion plays. Today, it’s especially prominent during Lent, particularly on Good Friday, when many Catholics pray the Stations individually or in groups, often with meditations like those composed by St. Alphonsus Liguori.

So, the devotion evolved from a physical pilgrimage in Jerusalem to a universal spiritual exercise, shaped by historical circumstances, religious orders, and a desire to connect deeply with Christ’s sacrifice. Does that cover what you were curious about, or is there a specific aspect you’d like me to dig into further?

St. Joseph, one of the most revered figures in Christian history, holds a unique and significant place in both sacred Scripture and the hearts of the faithful. Known as the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus Christ, St. Joseph’s role in salvation history is pivotal. He is not only the patron of the Universal Church but also the patron of Canada, a title that underscores his importance in the spiritual life of many nations and cultures around the world.

The Life of St. Joseph: A Man of Faith and Obedience

St. Joseph's story is largely drawn from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Although the Bible does not provide extensive details about his life, the accounts offer a profound portrait of a humble, righteous, and deeply devout man.

Joseph was of the House of David, a lineage of royal significance, but he was a humble carpenter by trade. He was betrothed to Mary when he learned of her unexpected pregnancy. The Gospels describe how Joseph, a just and compassionate man, initially considered quietly divorcing Mary to avoid public shame, as he had no knowledge of her miraculous conception. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife, for the child she carried was the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Joseph's immediate obedience to the angel’s message demonstrates his unwavering faith and trust in God's plan. He took Mary into his home and, from that moment, became the earthly protector of the Holy Family. Joseph's role was not only to care for Mary and Jesus but to provide them with the safety and stability they needed during the early years of Jesus’ life, especially when they fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's murderous decree.

Throughout his life, Joseph remained silent in Scripture, never speaking a word. Yet, his actions spoke volumes—he was a man of deep prayer, devotion, and service. His commitment to God’s will, even in the face of uncertainty, exemplifies the virtues of humility, obedience, and courage.

Patron of the Universal Church

St. Joseph's significance extends beyond his role as the earthly father of Jesus. In 1870, Pope Pius IX declared St. Joseph the Patron of the Universal Church. This designation was a recognition of Joseph's role as protector of the Church, just as he was the protector of the Holy Family. As the Church faces challenges and tribulations, the faithful turn to St. Joseph for his example of steadfastness in faith, his fatherly protection, and his quiet strength.

St. Joseph's patronage over the Church symbolizes the role of fatherhood and guardianship. His example of sacrificial love and care for Mary and Jesus continues to inspire fathers and families. In a world often marked by uncertainty, St. Joseph provides a model of stability, trust in God's providence, and service to the greater good.

Pope Francis has often spoken of St. Joseph as a model for all Christians. In his Apostolic Letter Patris Corde ("With a Father's Heart"), released in December 2020, Pope Francis highlighted the qualities of St. Joseph as a model of fatherhood, courage, and faith. The letter was especially significant during the Year of St. Joseph, which was declared by Pope Francis in honor of the 150th anniversary of Joseph’s proclamation as Patron of the Universal Church.

Patron of Canada

In addition to his universal role, St. Joseph is also the patron saint of Canada. The association between St. Joseph and Canada dates back to the early days of European settlement in the country. The French settlers who arrived in Canada brought with them a deep devotion to St. Joseph, and by the 17th century, he had become the country’s patron saint.

In 1624, a group of French Catholic settlers in Quebec established the first parish dedicated to St. Joseph, and over time, the devotion to him spread throughout the nation. One of the most significant symbols of this devotion is the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal, which remains one of the largest churches dedicated to him in the world. The Oratory, built in the 20th century, is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Canadians and visitors from around the world.

St. Joseph’s patronage of Canada reflects the nation’s Catholic heritage and the importance of family, hard work, and commitment to faith in Canadian culture. It also highlights the enduring influence of St. Joseph’s virtues in the life of the Canadian Church and its people.

St. Joseph's Relevance Today

St. Joseph’s legacy continues to have profound relevance in today’s world. As families face the challenges of modern life, St. Joseph offers a timeless example of fatherhood, humility, and devotion. He is a model for fathers who seek to protect and care for their families with integrity and compassion. His role as a quiet but steadfast worker also speaks to the dignity of labor and the value of serving others without seeking recognition or reward.

In times of crisis, many turn to St. Joseph for his intercession, asking for his guidance and protection. As a patron of the Universal Church, he offers comfort and hope to the faithful, reminding them that God’s plans are often realized in ways that surpass human understanding.

St. Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Patron of the Universal Church and Canada, continues to inspire and guide millions of Christians worldwide. His example of faith, courage, and love for the Holy Family serves as a beacon of hope for all who seek to follow Christ in their daily lives. As we honor St. Joseph, let us strive to emulate his virtues and trust in God’s plan, knowing that, like Joseph, we too are called to be faithful servants of God’s will.

All are welcome to join for Stations of the Cross, followed by soup and buns, every Friday at 6:30 PM throughout Lent. 

Stations of the Cross will be led by the following ministries:

• March 7 - Couples for Christ
• March 14 - Decorating/ Parish Council/RCIA/Liturgy
• March 21 - CWL
• March 28 - Music Ministry
• April 4 - KofC
• April 11 - Schools
• April 18 - Fr. Marius

2024 tax receipts will be left in the parish hall. Tax receipts not collected by this weekend will be mailed out.

• High River 9:00 am
• Vulcan 5:00 pm
• High River 7:00 pm

Dear Parishioners,
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended our meeting about euthanasia. We were blessed to have around 90 people join us for this important discussion. Your presence and engagement made it a truly meaningful event. A special thank you goes to our guest speaker, Dr. Lee Rehak, for sharing his expertise and insights with us. We’re so grateful for his contribution. I’d also like to give a big shout-out to the wonderful ladies of the CWL for their amazing work in taking care of the gathering—everything ran so smoothly thanks to you! God bless all of you for your support and dedication.
With gratitude,
Fr. Mariusz Sztuk, SDS