In the early Middle Ages one of the major devotional practices was to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. In Jerusalem this is called the "Via Dolorosa."
When the Muslims took over the Holy Land in the year 736 it became more difficult to make the pilgrimage. Around the year 1000 it was no longer possible at all to make pilgrimage. The crusades were the Christian response to this, the main purpose being to make it possible to once again visit the Holy Land in peace.
Around this same time the Stations of the Cross began to grow as a replacement of the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The stations are a way of walking with Jesus as he carries the cross.
The Stations of the Cross have been a fundamental part of Christian piety for several centuries. Even before they were represented artistically in churches, Christians had always meditated on the passion of Jesus.
You should attend the stations next Friday.
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