Question
I understand that Pope John Paul II has his own version of the "Stations of the Cross." What are they? Is it O.K. to do them this way? Do they count as real ones?
--Curious in Covington
Answer
These stations do not replace the traditional ones that Pope Clement XII officially recognized in 1731. The content of the stations is not defined by liturgical law. The number 14 remains constant, yet there havebeen as many as 40 at one time. In 1991, Pope John Paul II began to use these stations that are scripturally based:
1. Jesus prays in agony in the Garden of Olives
2. Judas betrays Jesus, and Jesus is arrested.
3. Jesus is accused by the Sanhedrin.
4. Jesus is denied by Peter.
5. Jesus is judged by Pilate.
6. Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns.
7. Jesus carries the cross.
8. Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene.
9. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
10. Jesus is crucified.
11. Jesus promises redemption to the good thief.
12. Jesus speaks to Mary and to John at the foot of the cross.
13. Jesus dies on the cross.
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb.
15. Jesus rises from the dead.