What is viacrucis?

Viacrucis, also known as the Stations of the Cross, is a Catholic devotional practice that commemorates the final hours of Jesus Christ's life. It consists of 14 stations, each representing a different event in Jesus' journey to his crucifixion and burial.

The Stations of the Cross typically begin with Jesus being condemned to death and end with his body being placed in the tomb. Along the way, the faithful meditate on each station and offer prayers to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus.

Viacrucis is commonly observed during the season of Lent, particularly on Fridays leading up to Good Friday. It is often prayed in a group setting, with participants moving from station to station and reflecting on the readings and prayers associated with each one.

Many churches and religious communities have outdoor stations of the cross set up for people to walk and pray the viacrucis in a more physical and meditative way. These stations often feature images or sculptures representing each event in Jesus' final journey.