John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross

This is an excellent version of the Stations of the Cross. John Paul II created a slightly different version of the Stations of the Cross based solely on Scripture verses (rather than Scripture and Catholic tradition) and the end product is this wonderful devotional. The Stations of the Cross chronicle 14 different events in the passion and death of Jesus Christ, and has been a popular Christian devotional since the Middle Ages. In "John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross," each of the 14 events is displayed on a two-page spread:*One side has a wonderful color painting depicting the event (such as "Jesus Prays in the Garden" or "Jesus Takes Up His Cross"), the title of the "station," and instructions for the leader and the people through short prayers. Stations of the Cross are usually held at Catholic churches during the season of Lent, although this type of personal devotion can be done in groups or individually (with minor alterations).*The other side has the Scripture passage and verses, followed by a one paragraph meditation (meant to be read by the leader) and a one paragraph response (meant to be read by the people). Each station concludes with a Kyrie (i.e. repeating "Lord, have mercy"; followed by "Christ, have mercy"; concluded by another "Lord, have mercy")The quality of the paper and printing is stunning, with bright colors and glossy pages for the pictures. The meditations really hit the right notes, in my opinion, and the responses likewise. I would recommend anyone wanting to use this as a personal devotion to make some slight alterations to the language (which assumes that a group is involved). This is done easily by reading everything oneself, and omitting the parts that say "stand" or "kneel" by just kneeling the whole time. To give you an idea of how "long" the Stations of the Cross is, one of the 14 "stations" can be completed (i.e. read through) in approximately 2-3 minutes. I've attended Stations at the local church and it usually takes 20-30 minutes to get through all 14 in one sitting. Completing one Station each night before bedtime is an excellent way of aiding one's prayer life, as long as one isn't rushing through it just to get to the end of it! The Stations are meant to inspire meditation after all, and there's no such thing as rushing through meditation if you want it to mean anything.******************************Notes: There are MANY different interpretations and publications of Stations of the Cross. Take a look at some other versions, especially if you want to use them in your personal prayer life. It is amazing how different perspectives on the same events help in our understanding of the passion and death of Jesus. At less than five dollars for most of them, they are certainly worth the money.

I have been reviewing about a dozen or so booklets for stations of the cross. While I don't think this is necessarily the right book for someone who wants a traditional stations of the cross experience, it is simply beautiful and I will use it for private devotions.The layout and graphics are high-quality, clear, and easy to follow. I love the graphic illustrations. They are just gorgeous, and the larger size of the booklet shows them off. I am also impressed by the meditations on each "station" in this Scriptural-based reinterpretation, and with the responses written for the people. They are relevant to everyday life without being too mundane.

St. John Paul II has much insight, and it is a wonderful experience to go through the stations with his thoughts.

This has been a great addition to our home this Lent. We have several versions that we use - but this one seems to be our favorite this year. The pictures are helpful for reflecting on each station and the booklet makes it easy to follow along. We have been using this at home, but it seems as though it would be simple to use in a church or group setting.

Pictures by Michael O'Brien are perfect and worth buying the booklet for even if you're not interested in the readings. This scriptural version is approved by St John Paul II and, as a convert to Catholicism, I find it more appealing than the traditional version because every station is based on the Bible.

These booklets are wonderful! Our parish uses them for Stations of the Cross during Lent. They are easy to read and follow with beautiful artwork.

Beautiful reflections on the Stations of the Cross - causes me to reflect on reality of what Jesus did for us; and how actions taken today are parallel to life during His life.

very good traditional stations of the cross. However it uses old style language (thee, thou, didst, etc) which makes it a little difficult for our kids.