Way of the Cross Way of Justice
Jesus Speaks to Mary and the Disciple © 2015 Nicholas Markell | Eyekons
Welcome to the Way of the Cross | Way of Justice Spiritual Art Walk at St. Francis!
The artworks displayed on the grounds at St. Francis In-The-Fields Episcopal Church are a part of the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross (also called the Way of the Cross) is a traditional Christian devotion of pictures and prayers depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion. Our Way of the Cross | Way of Justice is an expanded version that not only provides a traditional devotion experience, but also provides an opportunity to reflect on issues of injustice today.
About the Devotional
These prayers may be read aloud in a dialogue with two or more people, one reading the plain text, and one reciting the text in italics, or it may be read by an individual, either silently or aloud. The leader at the service, whether priest or lay person, customarily begins the opening verse at each station and reads the concluding prayer.
There are audio recordings of the prayers of each Station just below the title if you prefer to listen as you read along online or with the booklet found at Station 1. Just click on the triangle icon to hear the prayers read responsively.
A special thank you to Lacey Adams for her assistance in narrating the prayers for the audio portions of this project.
What are the Stations of the Cross?
The devotion originated with pilgrims in Jerusalem retracing the traditional steps Jesus is believed to have followed on Good Friday. Since not all Christians could make pilgrimages to Jerusalem, a custom of replicating the devotion allows us retrace the steps of Jesus’ Passion on the cross in 14 stations (or stops) on the Way of the Cross.
This journey offers artwork from artist Nicholas Markell. Each station follows the traditional story of Jesus’ life. There are artworks by Markell with added reflections on Justice and how we may connect with Jesus or others on the Way of the Cross. This exhibit offers a less traditional 15th Station as the final stopping point — The Station of Resurrection.
There is a short prayer at each of the stations, you may pray on your own, with others, or simply listen to the provided audio with a prayerful heart. The prayers come from The Episcopal Church’s Book of Occasional Services, 2018. The reflections and prayers provided challenge us to think about how we – the ministers of God’s reconciliation in Christ – can honor Christ’s sacrifice by offering ourselves to the healing and repair of the world God sent his Son to save. This is a call to strive for Justice in the world today by loving all people, regardless of how alike or different they may be from us.
Where do I go?
Begin your journey with the Way of the Cross in the northeast corner of the parking lot, across from the Blessing Box. Continue across the parking lot and follow around to the front of the building.
When to visit?
This Way of the Cross | Way of Justice Spiritual Art Walk is open to all people during daylight hours. Please be respectful of others as you prayerfully navigate the stations.
About the Artist - Nicholas Markell
You may get more information about Nicholas Markell’s by clicking the links here:
Questions?
If you have any questions or want to speak with us in about the Way of the Cross/Way of Justice Spiritual Art Walk, please email us at info@stfranicszionsville.org, or call 317-873-4377.
