The Stations of the Cross
St. Joseph Picture Books Series
Father Lawrence G. Lovasik, S.V.D.
ISBN 9780899422992
I recently went through my collection of over 70 different Stations or Ways of the Cross. They vary in length from the shortest of booklets to volumes with a few hundred pages. But it appears I found 10 I had not read or had not reviewed. So I decided to try and make it through those 10 this Lent as part of my attempt to pray a Stations every day during lent, and maybe some of them will end up in my rotation for trying to pray a Stations each Friday of the year.
The description of this volume is:
“Stations of the Cross is an ideal gift for a child's First Holy Communion.
The St. Joseph Picture Books Series is a magnificent series of religious books for children, superbly illustrated in full color and simply written, that will help all children to better understand the Catholic Faith. These books are ideal for home or school.
The St. Joseph Picture Books Series is intended to help teach the basics of the Catholic Faith to children in an enjoyable manner. The books in the Series deal with one or more of the following themes: (1) the teachings of the Church, (2) the Christian way of life, and (3) our Catholic worship (including both public and private prayers and devotions). Each book also carries the Imprimatur, assuring that the contents are in line with Church teaching.
Among the features of this book are:
• Brief and easy-to-read biography on
the life and legacy of this saint
• Vibrant, full-color illustrations
• High-quality paper
• Durable, sewn paperback binding
• Conveniently sized at 5 1/2" X 7 ⅜"
to accommodate little hands
• a presentation page that allows for easy personalization
of this book when used as a gift
• an explanation of the Stations of the Cross and prayers
• Nihil Obstat
• Imprimatur
Check out all 101 titles in this series of Catholic children's books. Each of the St. Joseph Picture Books make wonderful gifts for baptisms, First Communion, birthdays, Christmas, or Easter.
One of 101 titles in the St. Joseph Picture Book Series, this book by popular author Father Lovasik S.V.D., provides children with simple explanations of Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross is a special journey many Christians take to remember the last hours of Jesus' life on Earth. It's a bit like a story that helps us understand how much Jesus loves us. This journey is usually marked by 14 different stops, called stations, each representing an important event that happened before Jesus died on the cross. Each station reminds us of Jesus' love and sacrifice, teaching us to be kind and loving to others.
Understanding the Stations of the Cross is important for children for several reasons: Learning about the Stations helps children deepen their understanding of Jesus' love and sacrifice. It reinforces their faith and teaches them about the core beliefs of Christianity. Each station offers valuable moral lessons, such as compassion, perseverance, and the importance of helping others. Kids can learn to apply these lessons in their daily lives. The Stations of the Cross addresses suffering and hardship, helping children understand that experiencing difficulties is part of life. It teaches them to find hope and strength in challenging times. Knowing the Stations allows children to connect with their church community and family traditions. It provides a sense of belonging and shared beliefs, especially during Lent and Holy Week.
By meditating on Jesus' suffering, children can develop a sense of empathy for others who suffer. It encourages them to be more compassionate and caring towards those in need. Each station can prompt personal reflection and prayer, helping children to develop their own spiritual practices and a relationship with God. The Stations are an essential part of the Easter story, helping children see the connection between Jesus' suffering, death, and ultimately His resurrection.
In summary, the Stations of the Cross enrich children's spiritual lives, teach important values, and help them navigate their feelings and relationships with others.”
We are informed on the copyright page states:
“This edition is a compilation of various sources published by TAN Books. These works under TAN Books’ copyright include Way of the Cross According to St. Francis of Assisi, Way of the Cross According to St. Alphonsus Liguori, and Stations of the Cross According to St. John Henry Cardinal Newman.”
The sections and chapters and sections in this volume are:
Introduction
Prayer before saying the Stations
Jesus is condemned to death.
Jesus takes up His cross.
Jesus falls the first time.
Jesus meets His Blessed Mother.
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross.
Veronica wipes Jesus' face.
Jesus falls the second time.
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.
Jesus falls the third time.
Jesus is stripped of His clothes.
Jesus is nailed to the cross.
Jesus dies on the cross.
Jesus' body is taken down from the cross.
Jesus is laid in the tomb.
Prayer after the Stations
I was hesitant to start this one. It reminded me of the cartoons I watched 50 years ago as a kit. The cover reminded me of Hercules or Rocket Robin Hood. But from the introduction I was greatly impressed. The volume has the:
IHIL OBSTAT: James T. O'Connor, S.T.D. Censor Librorum
IPRIMATUR: James P. Mahoney, D.D., Vicar General, Archdiocese of New York
The introduction states:
“JESUS Christ, the Son of God, lived, suffered, and died for us. Then He rose again in triumph over sin and death.
At the Last Supper, Jesus gave us Holy Mass as a living remembrance of His Death and Resurrection. The Mass is the same sacrifice that He offered to the Father on the Cross.
We can also remember Jesus's suffering and death by making the Stations of the Cross at any time, especially on Fridays and during all the days of Lent.
The beautiful pictures in this book will help us see how much Jesus suffered for love of us. The simple words will help us tell Jesus of our love and gratitude.
Indulgences — Those who devoutly make the Stations of the Cross may gain a plenary indulgence, which can be applied to the Poor Souls in Purgatory.”
The prayer before the stations is:
“JESUS, I want to make
this way of the Cross
to show how much I love You
and thank You,
and to tell You how sorry I am
for having hurt You by my sins.
I wish to gain all the indulgences I can
and offer them for the Poor Souls
in Purgatory,
especially for our family and friends.
Mary, Mother of Sorrows,
be with me,
and help me to pray well.”
A sample station is:
“3rd STATION
JESUS FALLS TO THE GROUND
FOR THE FIRST TIME
JESUS, by Your first fall
under the heavy Cross,
make up for my pride
which led me into sin.
Make me humble and kind
that I may be like You.
When I fall into some sin,
help me to get up again
by being sorry for the sin
and by trying very hard
never to hurt You again.
Lord Jesus crucified,
have mercy on me!”
I hope those samples of the third station give you a feel for this volume. There is no opening or closing just simple reflections. I could easily add the opening and closing prayers myself. But the reflections were deeply moving. I really enjoyed this little volume, and wish I had had it when my own children were younger. The pictures are full page and bright and vibrant. Yes they are in an older style but they work better than I thought they would. At the end of the book we are informed about the St. Joseph Picture Book series:
“The St. Joseph Picture Books Series is intended to help you teach the basics of the Catholic Faith to your children in an enjoyable manner. The books in the Series deal with one or more of the following themes: (1) the teachings of the Church, (2) the Christian way of life, and (3) our Catholic worship (including both public and private prayers and devotions). Each book also carries the Imprimatur of the Archdiocese of New York, assuring you that the contents are in line with Church teaching.
This best-selling Series has been used and appreciated by thousands of children. They have been captivated by page after page of original four-color illustrations and clear typographical layout At the same time, their young minds have grasped the teachings set forth in simple reverent language. May your children also experience this same enjoyment and knowledge.”
And if the others are as good as this I missed out on a lot of great books with my kids. This would be a great gift book, or pick it up for your personal use or use as a family. It might look old or like the older Little Golden Books, but it is an excellent version of this devotion. I can easily recommend it. I just wish there was a digital edition so I could have it on my Kindle with me all the time.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! For all Stations of the Cross review click here.
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