Easter: How Catholics carry out Way of the Cross on Good Friday
By Valerian Khakayi, April 2, 2026Every Good Friday, you will see Catholics not only in Kenya but across the world walking slowly along streets or community paths, pausing at 14 points along the way.
This tradition, called the Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross, is one of the most important devotions in the Catholic faith.
The Way of the Cross is often lively, heartfelt, and very real. Singing in Kiswahili or local languages, walking under the sun, and carrying crosses through the streets make the devotion relatable and immersive.
The Good Friday walk is not just a walk; it is a spiritual journey, allowing believers to step into the story of Jesus Christ’s final hours and reflect on His sacrifice for humanity.
To guide this reflection, the journey is divided into 14 stations, each marking a significant moment in Jesus’ path to the cross.
The 14 stations
Catholics walk the Way of the Cross by pausing at 14 stations, each marking a key moment in Jesus Christ’s journey to the cross. At each stop, believers pray, reflect, and meditate on His sacrifice.
- Jesus is condemned to death – Reflecting on how Jesus faced injustice.
- Jesus takes up His cross – Meditating on accepting the burdens life places on us.
- Jesus falls the first time – Remembering human weakness and perseverance.
- Jesus meets His Mother, Mary – Reflecting on love, compassion, and support from family.
- Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross – Understanding the value of helping others in their struggles.
- Veronica wipes the face of Jesus – Acts of kindness and mercy in the midst of suffering.
- Jesus falls the second time – Perseverance in the face of repeated challenges.
- Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem – Empathy and solidarity with those who suffer.
- Jesus falls the third time – The human struggle against overwhelming difficulties.
- Jesus is stripped of His garments – Humility and the pain of shame and vulnerability.
- Jesus is nailed to the cross – Contemplating ultimate sacrifice and obedience.
- Jesus dies on the cross – Remembering the power of love and redemption.
- Jesus is taken down from the cross – Mourning loss and reflecting on compassion.
- Jesus is laid in the tomb – Hope and faith in God’s promise of new life.
How the devotion is carried out
- Preparation – The leader, often a priest or trained layperson, starts with prayers or scripture readings. Participants may carry small crosses or rosaries.
- Walking from Station to Station – Catholics move slowly from one station to the next. Some churches use pictures, statues, or markers to represent each moment, while outdoor processions may follow a set path through streets or around the parish compound
- Prayers and Reflection at Each Station – At each stop, a passage from the Bible or a short meditation is read. Participants pray silently or aloud or sing hymns. This allows them to connect personally with Jesus’ journey.
- Community Participation – Priests and parishioners often walk together. This communal aspect reinforces the idea that faith and life’s struggles are shared journeys.
- Conclusion – The walk ends at the 14th station, where participants pray for forgiveness, strength, and renewal.
After completing the Way of the Cross walk, participants usually return to the church for the Good Friday liturgy.
This mass includes readings from the Scriptures, prayers, and veneration of the cross. It is a solemn moment for reflection and prayer, allowing Catholics to deepen their connection with Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.