One of the holiest sites to Christianity, Via Dolorosa (means ‘Sorrowful Way’, often translated ‘Way of Suffering’) is represents the path that Jesus would have taken, forced by the Roman soldiers, on the way to his crucifixion. The route goes from Antonia Fortress to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a distance of about 600 meters, and is a celebrated place of Christian pilgrimage. established since the 18th century, replacing various earlier versions. It is today marked by fourteen Stations of the Cross, nine of which are outside, in the streets, with the remaining five stations being currently inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Stations
Station 1: Jesus is condemned to death
This station is located at the El-Omariya School on Via Dolorosa Street in the Muslim Quarter. It is possible to enter the school only after 2 PM or on Fridays or Saturdays when the kids are not there.
Station 2: Jesus takes up his Cross
This station is located just across El-Omariya School, in the Monastery of Flagellation. In summer, it is open from 8 AM to 6 PM. In winter, from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Station 3: Jesus falls for the first time
The station is located at the junction of Al Alam and HaGai Street, in a church owned by Armenian Catholics.
Station 4: Jesus meets his mother
The station is located right next to the third station, in a church owned by the Armenian Catholics called “Our Lady of the Spasm.”
Station 5: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross
The station is located at the junction of HaGai and the second half of Via Dolorosa Street.
Station 6: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
The station is located next to the Chapel of Veronica’s Home, on Via Dolorosa Street,
Station 7: Jesus falls for the second time
The station is located at the junction of Via Dolorosa and Beit HaBad Street.
Station 8: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
The station is located on Ma’alot E-Khanka Street.
Station 9: Jesus falls for the third time
The station is located on a side street above the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Station 10: Jesus is stripped of his garments
The station is located in the Franks Chapel and can be seen from the outer courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Station 11: Jesus is nailed to the Cross
The station is located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, on the second floor, near Golgotha.
Station 12: Jesus dies on the Cross
The station is located right next to Station 11.
Station 13: Jesus is taken down from the Cross
The station is located between Station 11 and Station 12.
Station 14: Jesus is laid in the tomb
The station is located on the western side of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in the Rotunda.
Prepare for the Journey.
As with any pilgrimage, before you set out on your journey to follow Jesus’ steps along the Via Dolorosa, it is important to prepare in prayer and read up on what you will encounter. Ask God to open your spirit to receive all He has for you during this meaningful experience, so that when you reach the stations of the cross and learn about Jesus’ final walk into his crucifixion, you are ready to soak it in for yourself.
Navigate the Streets of the Old City.
Though modern Jerusalem includes a number of neighborhoods, the spiritual epicenter is the Old City, encompassing 0.9 square kilometers within its ancient walls and divided into four quarters: Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim. Each quarter has its own history of shrines, holy sites, and tourist attractions which can easily become overwhelming when you are there. Make sure to plan ahead of time where exactly you will go on your pilgrimage along the Via Dolorosa so that you have enough time to experience all it has to offer.
Revere Jesus Christ’s Tomb and Resurrection Site.
At the end of your journey along the Via Dolorosa is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian quarter. It encompasses both Jesus Christ’s tomb and resurrection site, making it one of Christianity’s holiest sites. Take time to kneel and pray inside this hallowed place in remembrance of Jesus’ bravery and humility during his final moments on earth.
Reflect Upon Your Experiences in Jerusalem.
After finishing your journey along the Via Dolorosa, take some time to reflect upon all that you have experienced. Reflect upon Jesus’ example of humility and strength throughout his entire Passion journey – from his arrest to his crucifixion. May our Lord Jesus Christ shine a light on the darkness of this world and touch your heart with His love.
