“From the Archives” Stations of the Cross

On Fridays during Lent, it is a tradition at the Basilica of Saint Mary and most Catholic churches to pray the Stations of the Cross. This 14-step devotion commemorates the events of Christ’s last day on Earth as a man, beginning with His condemnation by Pontius Pilate and ending as He is laid in the tomb. At each Station, prayers are recited as we then move to the next Station until all 14 are completed. The Stations can, of course, be prayed in the Basilica and elsewhere any time, often as a mini-pilgrimage recalling Christ’s sacrifice for us.

Our Stations at the Basilica of Saint Mary consist of 14 oil paintings on wood panels with mahogany-stained frames. The images are subtly multi-colored with gold leaf accents. Stations I through VII are installed on the north wall of the nave; Stations VIII through XIV are found on the south wall. These Stations date back to the extensive renovation of the church in 1857. Pastor at that time was Fr. Peter Kroes, S.J., a native of Holland. He was the first tenured pastor at Saint Mary and served here until 1872.

The Basilica Stations may have been the work of American artist Edward Schuler (1806-1882), noted in an Alexandria Gazette article of July 16, 1857, as a “Fresco Painter.” They were restored in 1995.

On Fridays in Lent, beginning February 28, everyone is invited to join us for a Lenten meatless supper at 6:00 pm in the Lyceum Auditorium, followed by Stations of the Cross in the Basilica at 7:00 pm. There will not be a meatless supper on Good Friday, April 10.

We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

– Diane Maple, Bulletin Editor

Throughout 2020, the Basilica of Saint Mary will present “From the Archives.” It is a weekly feature online and in our bulletin spotlighting the history of the parish. All of our “From the Archives” features are located here.