The Way of the Cross at Lourdes in Litchfield

The Way of the Cross
at
Lourdes in Litchfield

The tradition of praying the Way of the Cross began in the Middle Ages when Christians in the farthest edges of the world could not make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where, at Eastertide, pilgrims walked in Jesus’ footsteps. For those who couldn’t go to the Holy Land many churches began the practice of marking special places on their grounds as “stops” or “stations” on the journey with Jesus to his crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. In colder climes, these marking were done on the inside walls of the parish church and eventually became what we today call the Way of the Cross, adorned with imagery or small crosses.
At Lourdes in Litchfield we are blessed with a magnificent Way of the Cross that winds around the hillside into which the Grotto is constructed. Many people express deep regret at not being able to climb the hill because of their own physical limitations or of not being able to come to the Shrine, especially in the winter months.
Here you can do so. Take time to pray with Jesus as he empties himself completely and embraces the ultimate limit of our humanity. Jesus’ self-emptying (kenosis, is the word used in the gospel and St Paul’s writings) on the Cross of Calvary is the one way that redeems the sin and limitation of our human condition. Now in the Risen Christ all of life and every aspect of God’s creation become part of the Mystery of his Resurrection and the life promised us from the beginning of time: that we shall live forever with the God who loves us beyond all understanding.
Your praying the Way of the Cross at this website is as much a pilgrimage as if you had come to the Shrine in person. Enter now into this prayer and let Jesus lead you from death to new life in Him.
What is your prayer intention? In other words, as you walk with Jesus, what are you asking God to take from you into Himself and thus redeem forever?
Take a few moments and prayerfully open your heart. Then press the arrow at the bottom left of the above screen and begin your prayer. Should you want to pause and reflect a bit longer at one station, simply press the same button and the video will pause. Press it again and your pilgrimage with Jesus resumes.
Contact us if you have any questions or comments. You can reach us at our email address (lourdesshrinect@gmail.com) or by telephone (860-567-1041). DVD copies of this meditation are available in the Grotto Gift Shop for a donation of $15.00, proceeds of which go to the renovation of the 12th Station in memory of our late Fr. Gene Lynch, SMM.
(All photos and preparation are the exclusive property of the Missionaries of the Company of Mary/Montfort Missionaries, except as noted in the credits. (c) 2009. All rights reserved.)

Walk with Jesus