How to Do the Stations of the Cross Properly?

[IrishDude45]

I just got a 1962 missal with the stations of the cross and how to say them in it. I did it once last year on Good Friday when the parish had banners all around the sanctuary but our “real” stations of the cross are in the prayer chapel with the Tabernacle. It is a tiny chapel and I wonder if it is appropriate to be walking about facing all these tiny plaques on the wall in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord or when other parishioners are praying in the chapel? Is it even necessary to walk to each station and genuflect or may you just sit and look at them?

Thank you

In Christ
IrishDude

 

[Trishie]

The requirements for obtaining a plenary indulgence include the following:

The excercise must be performed before lawfully erected stations of the cross. The basic requirement for the Stations of the Cross is fourteen crosses…though these crosses are usually attached to images. The devotion consists of fourteen reflective readings and prayers.
Movement from one station to the next is required unless it can’t be done without some disorder. However it could be a good witness to quietly perform the stations, and thereby encourage others to do so. Anyone legitimately unable to fulfil the requirements can obtain the indulgence if they spend time, for instance, even as little as fifteen minutes, in devout reading and meditation on the passion and death of Jesus.

 

[Cluny]

It is a tiny chapel and I wonder if it is appropriate to be walking about facing all these tiny plaques on the wall in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord or when other parishioners are praying in the chapel?

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Were the Stations and Tabernacle in the main church, as was the general custom 40 years ago, would it be appropriate to have walked around, doing them in the presence of the Eucharist?

If it was right 40 years ago, it’s right today.

They are called “Stations of the Cross,” btw, because the procession would STOP (or STATIO in Latin) for a prayer.

 

[MarieVeronica]

We are so blessed in our parish… because in addition to the “Stations” inside our main church… we also have a lovely outside garden setting “Stations” with a gravel path.

The “Stations” are meant to be walked, as far as I know.