A Visual Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross have formed part of Christian devotion at Passiontide for many centuries because they enable us to engage actively with the path of suffering walked by Jesus. They originated when early Christians visited Jerusalem and wanted to follow literally in the footsteps of Jesus, tracing the path from Pilate’s house to Calvary. They would pause for prayer and devotion at various points. Eventually, those pilgrims brought the practice back to their home countries and ever since then Christians of differing traditions have used this form of devotion.

There are a variety of number and pattern for the stations, and this particular set, called 'The Passion', was produced by Sheona Beaumont for an exhibition in over Lent and Easter at Bristol Cathedral in 2006, with support from Bible Society.

To follow this online version, please click through the pages, pausing to reflect using the words provided and of course lingering on the images to see what jumps out at you - the symbolism, the shapes, the colours, the types of media - photos, cartoon-like drawings, even snippets of old masters. How does God speak to you through this combination of word and image? When you are ready to move on, say the prayer out loud and then click on 'next'.