Explaining the Stations of the Cross - History and Lent Facts on the Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross (also known as the Way of the Cross) is a devotion that was started by St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). He created the Stations for Catholics who were unable to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land because it was too dangerous. St. Francis placed 14 Stations throughout the church. Each station represented an actual place that a person could stop, pray and contemplate Christ’s Passion in Jerusalem.

The tradition carries on today. Many Catholic Churches will have evening services during the Friday’s of Lent to pray the 14 Stations together. There are a variety of prayers and contemplations that can be used during these services. It has become a tradition for the Pope to write an original work for the Good Friday Stations of the Cross that is conducted at the Coliseum in Rome.

The Stations are:
1. Jesus is condemned to death
2. Jesus is given his cross
3. Jesus falls the first time
4. Jesus meets His Mother
5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
7. Jesus falls the second time
8. Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem
9. Jesus falls the third time
10. Jesus is stripped of His garments
11. Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross
12. Jesus dies on the cross
13. Jesus' body is removed from the cross (Deposition or Lamentation)
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense.

Catholic Kid: The Vatican

Here is a video that my son and I made about the Vatican.

Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Today the Church celebrates the dedication of the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major. Pope Sixtus III built the basilica in honor of the Holy Mother of God which was dedicated in 435. It holds particular significance for Catholics because its name fully recognizes the fact that the Jesus’ mother is the Mother of God. The fact that Mary was both the mother of Jesus and of God was proclaimed after the Council of Ephesus in 431. This meant that when the basilica was constructed it was a very strong physical representation of the newly cemented idea of Mary’s motherhood. In addition, it is know as the oldest western church honoring the Blessed Virgin.

Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Today the Church celebrates the dedication of the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major. Pope Sixtus III built the basilica in honor of the Holy Mother of God which was dedicated in 435. It holds particular significance for Catholics because its name fully recognizes the fact that the Jesus’ mother is the Mother of God. The fact that Mary was both the mother of Jesus and of God was proclaimed after the Council of Ephesus in 431. This meant that when the basilica was constructed it was a very strong physical representation of the newly cemented idea of Mary’s motherhood. In addition, it is know as the oldest western church honoring the Blessed Virgin.

Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

Today the Church celebrates the dedication of the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major. Pope Sixtus III built the basilica in honor of the Holy Mother of God which was dedicated in 435. It holds particular significance for Catholics because its name fully recognizes the fact that the Jesus’ mother is the Mother of God. The fact that Mary was both the mother of Jesus and of God was proclaimed after the Council of Ephesus in 431. This meant that when the basilica was constructed it was a very strong physical representation of the newly cemented idea of Mary’s motherhood. In addition, it is know as the oldest western church honoring the Blessed Virgin.

Recommended Catholic DVDs: Into Great Silence

In the last entry, I mentioned the Carthusian monks which brought to mind a wonderful movie that came out last year. At the time, the movie received a good deal of praise from European and American critics. This was surprising because the movie was not only about real life Catholic Monks, but it contained only a couple of minutes of dialog throughout its entire 162 minute run time. The movie is called Into Great Silence, and it is an extraordinary study of the Carthusian order located in the French Alps. The cameras capture almost every aspect of the monks’ daily activities. Watching the film gives you the feeling of living in a monastery. Afterwards, you’ll feel as if you spent the time meditating. I would suggest that you see it from start to finish in one sitting, without distractions, to get the full experience. This is a beautifully shot film with breathtaking scenery and superb footage of the inside of the monastery. Well worth purchasing the DVD.

Recommended Catholic DVDs: Into Great Silence

In the last entry, I mentioned the Carthusian monks which brought to mind a wonderful movie that came out last year. At the time, the movie received a good deal of praise from European and American critics. This was surprising because the movie was not only about real life Catholic Monks, but it contained only a couple of minutes of dialog throughout its entire 162 minute run time. The movie is called Into Great Silence, and it is an extraordinary study of the Carthusian order located in the French Alps. The cameras capture almost every aspect of the monks’ daily activities. Watching the film gives you the feeling of living in a monastery. Afterwards, you’ll feel as if you spent the time meditating. I would suggest that you see it from start to finish in one sitting, without distractions, to get the full experience. This is a beautifully shot film with breathtaking scenery and superb footage of the inside of the monastery. Well worth purchasing the DVD.

Recommended Catholic DVDs: Into Great Silence

In the last entry, I mentioned the Carthusian monks which brought to mind a wonderful movie that came out last year. At the time, the movie received a good deal of praise from European and American critics. This was surprising because the movie was not only about real life Catholic Monks, but it contained only a couple of minutes of dialog throughout its entire 162 minute run time. The movie is called Into Great Silence, and it is an extraordinary study of the Carthusian order located in the French Alps. The cameras capture almost every aspect of the monks’ daily activities. Watching the film gives you the feeling of living in a monastery. Afterwards, you’ll feel as if you spent the time meditating. I would suggest that you see it from start to finish in one sitting, without distractions, to get the full experience. This is a beautifully shot film with breathtaking scenery and superb footage of the inside of the monastery. Well worth purchasing the DVD.

Medjugorje…What?

For years, I would hear people refer to Medjugorje but nobody ever explained what it was. I had a vague idea that it was something like Fatima, but other than that it was very mysterious, and maybe a little taboo. Then a couple of years ago, “Medjugorje” was mentioned, in passing, on EWTN (the Catholic station) and that was it. I had to find out once and for all what the mystery was all about. I did a good deal of research for my own knowledge. The following is just the basic facts from what I learned.

So, what is Medjugorje?
In June 1981, six young people claimed to see, hear, and touch the Blessed Virgin Mary. This occurred in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. There were up to ten “secret” messages that the six received about world events that have not been revealed to the public. Although the Iron Curtain was still in place, the apparitions prompted many pilgrims from Europe and America to make the journey to the Medjugorje. Since the initial visions, there have been almost daily apparitions. And every year the number of pilgrims have increased.

So, what is being experienced?
Besides the appearances of the Blessed Virgin, there have been reports of the sun spinning, rosaries turning gold color, and spiritual and physical healings.

So, what is the Catholic Church’s take on all of this?
In 1991, the Bishops’ Commission declared, “On the basis of the investigation so far it can not be affirmed that one is dealing with supernatural apparitions and revelation.” This means that they can neither verify nor refute that the happenings in Medjugorje are supernatural. The Holy See is very careful in declaring a mystical event to be true. And considering that the experiences in Medjugorje have not ceased, The Church probably won’t come to a final judgment any time soon. Currently, the Church has not found any additional information to change its original position stated in 1991.

So, what are Catholics to do?
Although there are many pilgrimages to Medjugorje, none of them are organized by the Catholic Church. If there were, this would sanction the apparitions as being true. Instead, good upstanding laypeople are setting up their own pilgrimages. They can invite priests or other religious along, and this is just fine with the Holy See. Remember, although the Church has not given its stamp of approval, this does not mean that the Church has declared that Medjugorje is a fake. It appears that what is happening at Medjugorje is strengthening Marian devotion, and that in itself is good. So, if you are a believer, go ahead and plan a trip. Just don’t be too surprised if every Catholic does not share your view on the supernatural aspects of Medjugorje.

For more information, here is the official website: http://medjugorje.hr.nt4.ims.hr/Default.aspx

Medjugorje…What?

For years, I would hear people refer to Medjugorje but nobody ever explained what it was. I had a vague idea that it was something like Fatima, but other than that it was very mysterious, and maybe a little taboo. Then a couple of years ago, “Medjugorje” was mentioned, in passing, on EWTN (the Catholic station) and that was it. I had to find out once and for all what the mystery was all about. I did a good deal of research for my own knowledge. The following is just the basic facts from what I learned.

So, what is Medjugorje?
In June 1981, six young people claimed to see, hear, and touch the Blessed Virgin Mary. This occurred in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. There were up to ten “secret” messages that the six received about world events that have not been revealed to the public. Although the Iron Curtain was still in place, the apparitions prompted many pilgrims from Europe and America to make the journey to the Medjugorje. Since the initial visions, there have been almost daily apparitions. And every year the number of pilgrims have increased.

So, what is being experienced?
Besides the appearances of the Blessed Virgin, there have been reports of the sun spinning, rosaries turning gold color, and spiritual and physical healings.

So, what is the Catholic Church’s take on all of this?
In 1991, the Bishops’ Commission declared, “On the basis of the investigation so far it can not be affirmed that one is dealing with supernatural apparitions and revelation.” This means that they can neither verify nor refute that the happenings in Medjugorje are supernatural. The Holy See is very careful in declaring a mystical event to be true. And considering that the experiences in Medjugorje have not ceased, The Church probably won’t come to a final judgment any time soon. Currently, the Church has not found any additional information to change its original position stated in 1991.

So, what are Catholics to do?
Although there are many pilgrimages to Medjugorje, none of them are organized by the Catholic Church. If there were, this would sanction the apparitions as being true. Instead, good upstanding laypeople are setting up their own pilgrimages. They can invite priests or other religious along, and this is just fine with the Holy See. Remember, although the Church has not given its stamp of approval, this does not mean that the Church has declared that Medjugorje is a fake. It appears that what is happening at Medjugorje is strengthening Marian devotion, and that in itself is good. So, if you are a believer, go ahead and plan a trip. Just don’t be too surprised if every Catholic does not share your view on the supernatural aspects of Medjugorje.

For more information, here is the official website: http://medjugorje.hr.nt4.ims.hr/Default.aspx

Medjugorje…What?

For years, I would hear people refer to Medjugorje but nobody ever explained what it was. I had a vague idea that it was something like Fatima, but other than that it was very mysterious, and maybe a little taboo. Then a couple of years ago, “Medjugorje” was mentioned, in passing, on EWTN (the Catholic station) and that was it. I had to find out once and for all what the mystery was all about. I did a good deal of research for my own knowledge. The following is just the basic facts from what I learned.

So, what is Medjugorje?
In June 1981, six young people claimed to see, hear, and touch the Blessed Virgin Mary. This occurred in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. There were up to ten “secret” messages that the six received about world events that have not been revealed to the public. Although the Iron Curtain was still in place, the apparitions prompted many pilgrims from Europe and America to make the journey to the Medjugorje. Since the initial visions, there have been almost daily apparitions. And every year the number of pilgrims have increased.

So, what is being experienced?
Besides the appearances of the Blessed Virgin, there have been reports of the sun spinning, rosaries turning gold color, and spiritual and physical healings.

So, what is the Catholic Church’s take on all of this?
In 1991, the Bishops’ Commission declared, “On the basis of the investigation so far it can not be affirmed that one is dealing with supernatural apparitions and revelation.” This means that they can neither verify nor refute that the happenings in Medjugorje are supernatural. The Holy See is very careful in declaring a mystical event to be true. And considering that the experiences in Medjugorje have not ceased, The Church probably won’t come to a final judgment any time soon. Currently, the Church has not found any additional information to change its original position stated in 1991.

So, what are Catholics to do?
Although there are many pilgrimages to Medjugorje, none of them are organized by the Catholic Church. If there were, this would sanction the apparitions as being true. Instead, good upstanding laypeople are setting up their own pilgrimages. They can invite priests or other religious along, and this is just fine with the Holy See. Remember, although the Church has not given its stamp of approval, this does not mean that the Church has declared that Medjugorje is a fake. It appears that what is happening at Medjugorje is strengthening Marian devotion, and that in itself is good. So, if you are a believer, go ahead and plan a trip. Just don’t be too surprised if every Catholic does not share your view on the supernatural aspects of Medjugorje.

For more information, here is the official website: http://medjugorje.hr.nt4.ims.hr/Default.aspx

First Christian Church Discovered!!

I found this very interesting, and can't wait until more is out about this latest discovery...

Jordan archeologists are saying that they have unearthed what is likely to be the first Christian Church ever, dating back from 33AD to 70 AD. The church appears to be a cave-like structure found below St. Georgeous, which is a church that was built in the third century.
You can read more about what was found at:
http://www.baltcatholicreview.org/subpages/storyworldnew-new.aspx?action=3835
and
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080610/archaeologists-unearth-world-s-first-church.htm

First Christian Church Discovered!!

I found this very interesting, and can't wait until more is out about this latest discovery...

Jordan archeologists are saying that they have unearthed what is likely to be the first Christian Church ever, dating back from 33AD to 70 AD. The church appears to be a cave-like structure found below St. Georgeous, which is a church that was built in the third century.
You can read more about what was found at:
http://www.baltcatholicreview.org/subpages/storyworldnew-new.aspx?action=3835
and
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080610/archaeologists-unearth-world-s-first-church.htm

First Christian Church Discovered!!

I found this very interesting, and can't wait until more is out about this latest discovery...

Jordan archeologists are saying that they have unearthed what is likely to be the first Christian Church ever, dating back from 33AD to 70 AD. The church appears to be a cave-like structure found below St. Georgeous, which is a church that was built in the third century.
You can read more about what was found at:
http://www.baltcatholicreview.org/subpages/storyworldnew-new.aspx?action=3835
and
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080610/archaeologists-unearth-world-s-first-church.htm

Catacombs of Rome

Catacombs that are located in Rome are the most famous burial places in the world. This is largely due to the significance they held for Early Christians. For many Catholics who make the pilgrimage to Rome, the Catacombs represent an undeniable physical connection to their past. Starting in the Second Century, Catacombs were places where Catholics buried their dead and celebrated Mass (depending on circumstances, Mass was also celebrated in parishioners’ homes). Before the Roman persecution of Catholics ended in 313 AD, there were times when it was necessary to celebrate Mass in the Catacombs for fear of being caught and sentenced to death. Many Martyrs of the Early Catholic Church were buried in these underground chambers and the celebration of Mass reinforced the fact that there was a Communion of Saints. It is this history that makes the Catacombs such a Holy place which helps present-day pilgrims connect with our Brothers and Sisters that came before us.
Physically, the Catacombs are subterranean burial places just outside the city of Rome (when originally created, due to health concerns). They are made up of underground passageways and chambers. The forty or so catacombs (which only a handful are ever talked about) range greatly in size. Some containing only two for three crypts, while others are multi-level structures. The Catacombs of Domitilla is the largest and Catacombs of San Callisto is one of the most visited.
To learn more check out:
Catacombs of Domitilla (remember to click on img links throughout the page): http://www.domitilla.it/Catacombe/inglese.htm
Catacombs of San Callisto: http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/dettaglio.html

Catacombs of Rome

Catacombs that are located in Rome are the most famous burial places in the world. This is largely due to the significance they held for Early Christians. For many Catholics who make the pilgrimage to Rome, the Catacombs represent an undeniable physical connection to their past. Starting in the Second Century, Catacombs were places where Catholics buried their dead and celebrated Mass (depending on circumstances, Mass was also celebrated in parishioners’ homes). Before the Roman persecution of Catholics ended in 313 AD, there were times when it was necessary to celebrate Mass in the Catacombs for fear of being caught and sentenced to death. Many Martyrs of the Early Catholic Church were buried in these underground chambers and the celebration of Mass reinforced the fact that there was a Communion of Saints. It is this history that makes the Catacombs such a Holy place which helps present-day pilgrims connect with our Brothers and Sisters that came before us.
Physically, the Catacombs are subterranean burial places just outside the city of Rome (when originally created, due to health concerns). They are made up of underground passageways and chambers. The forty or so catacombs (which only a handful are ever talked about) range greatly in size. Some containing only two for three crypts, while others are multi-level structures. The Catacombs of Domitilla is the largest and Catacombs of San Callisto is one of the most visited.
To learn more check out:
Catacombs of Domitilla (remember to click on img links throughout the page): http://www.domitilla.it/Catacombe/inglese.htm
Catacombs of San Callisto: http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/dettaglio.html

Catacombs of Rome

Catacombs that are located in Rome are the most famous burial places in the world. This is largely due to the significance they held for Early Christians. For many Catholics who make the pilgrimage to Rome, the Catacombs represent an undeniable physical connection to their past. Starting in the Second Century, Catacombs were places where Catholics buried their dead and celebrated Mass (depending on circumstances, Mass was also celebrated in parishioners’ homes). Before the Roman persecution of Catholics ended in 313 AD, there were times when it was necessary to celebrate Mass in the Catacombs for fear of being caught and sentenced to death. Many Martyrs of the Early Catholic Church were buried in these underground chambers and the celebration of Mass reinforced the fact that there was a Communion of Saints. It is this history that makes the Catacombs such a Holy place which helps present-day pilgrims connect with our Brothers and Sisters that came before us.
Physically, the Catacombs are subterranean burial places just outside the city of Rome (when originally created, due to health concerns). They are made up of underground passageways and chambers. The forty or so catacombs (which only a handful are ever talked about) range greatly in size. Some containing only two for three crypts, while others are multi-level structures. The Catacombs of Domitilla is the largest and Catacombs of San Callisto is one of the most visited.
To learn more check out:
Catacombs of Domitilla (remember to click on img links throughout the page): http://www.domitilla.it/Catacombe/inglese.htm
Catacombs of San Callisto: http://www.catacombe.roma.it/en/dettaglio.html

Exploring the Vatican

Growing up, I had a basic understanding of what the Vatican was; the meaning it held for Catholics, the place it had among the world powers, and the museums. But the specifics eluded me. I attended Catholic Schools through High School, but I only had an abstract concept from others and a vague description in my encyclopedia of the place that held St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pope. This was, of course, before the information superhighway was widely used. Nowadays we have such great resources at our disposal due to the internet.

Now, I frequent two terrific website that go beyond giving the facts and a few photos to describe the Vatican. One is the most interactive website to date on St. Peter’s Basilica. Informative and easy to use, without getting bogged down in using the latest web technology (this means no plug-ins or headaches). Go to: http://www.stpetersbasilica.org/

The other website is the Vatican City State website. This is not to be confused with the Vatican site for the Holy See (http://www.vatican.va/, which is also a fantastic resource). The Vatican City State website is the official website for Vatican City. Its focus is on the physical aspects of the city. There you will find different services that are available (e.g., the pharmacy), places of interest, and how the Vatican government works. A must see before a trip or if you are just interested in making sense of a place that can sometime be an abstract concept. Go to: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/homepage.htm

Hope you have fun exploring the Vatican!

Exploring the Vatican

Growing up, I had a basic understanding of what the Vatican was; the meaning it held for Catholics, the place it had among the world powers, and the museums. But the specifics eluded me. I attended Catholic Schools through High School, but I only had an abstract concept from others and a vague description in my encyclopedia of the place that held St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pope. This was, of course, before the information superhighway was widely used. Nowadays we have such great resources at our disposal due to the internet.

Now, I frequent two terrific website that go beyond giving the facts and a few photos to describe the Vatican. One is the most interactive website to date on St. Peter’s Basilica. Informative and easy to use, without getting bogged down in using the latest web technology (this means no plug-ins or headaches). Go to: http://www.stpetersbasilica.org/

The other website is the Vatican City State website. This is not to be confused with the Vatican site for the Holy See (http://www.vatican.va/, which is also a fantastic resource). The Vatican City State website is the official website for Vatican City. Its focus is on the physical aspects of the city. There you will find different services that are available (e.g., the pharmacy), places of interest, and how the Vatican government works. A must see before a trip or if you are just interested in making sense of a place that can sometime be an abstract concept. Go to: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/homepage.htm

Hope you have fun exploring the Vatican!

Exploring the Vatican

Growing up, I had a basic understanding of what the Vatican was; the meaning it held for Catholics, the place it had among the world powers, and the museums. But the specifics eluded me. I attended Catholic Schools through High School, but I only had an abstract concept from others and a vague description in my encyclopedia of the place that held St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pope. This was, of course, before the information superhighway was widely used. Nowadays we have such great resources at our disposal due to the internet.

Now, I frequent two terrific website that go beyond giving the facts and a few photos to describe the Vatican. One is the most interactive website to date on St. Peter’s Basilica. Informative and easy to use, without getting bogged down in using the latest web technology (this means no plug-ins or headaches). Go to: http://www.stpetersbasilica.org/

The other website is the Vatican City State website. This is not to be confused with the Vatican site for the Holy See (http://www.vatican.va/, which is also a fantastic resource). The Vatican City State website is the official website for Vatican City. Its focus is on the physical aspects of the city. There you will find different services that are available (e.g., the pharmacy), places of interest, and how the Vatican government works. A must see before a trip or if you are just interested in making sense of a place that can sometime be an abstract concept. Go to: http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/homepage.htm

Hope you have fun exploring the Vatican!