Stations of Light

This devotion is also called Via Lucis, Latin for "The Way of Light." It is a recent devotion proper to the post-Easter liturgical period.

The new practice has characteristics similar to the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) and can be prayed individually or in community. A Paschal candle or icon of the Resurrection is carried, rather than a cross.

The Via Lucis includes fourteen stations for reflection, from Christ’s resurrection to Pentecost. The service may include readings of the biblical narratives corresponding to each station, followed by silence, meditative prayer, and a hymn.

Here is one suggested set of stations. Download a printable, color PDF of the illustration from the book by clicking on the name of the station.

Station One: Jesus Rises From the Dead

Station Two: The Disciples Find the Empty Tomb

Station Three: Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

Station Four: Jesus Walks With the Disciples to Emmaus

Station Five: Jesus Reveals Himself in the Breaking of Bread

Station Six: Jesus Appears to the Disciples

Station Seven: Jesus Confers on His Disciples the Power to Forgive Sins

Station Eight: Jesus Confirms Thomas in Faith

Station Nine: Jesus Appears to His Disciples on the Shore of Lake Galilee

Station Ten: Jesus Confers Primacy on Peter

Station Eleven: Jesus Entrusts His Disciples With a Universal Mission

Station Twelve: Jesus Ascends Into Heaven

Station Thirteen: Mary and the Disciples Await the Holy Spirit

Station Fourteen: Jesus Sends the Spirit Promised by the Father to His Disciples

Promotion of the Via Lucis was started in 1994 by a group called TR2000 ("TR" standing for Testimoni del Risorto, Italian for "The Witness of the Risen [Christ]"). A few years earlier, in 1989, the Via Lucis was presented to Don Egidio Vigano, head of the Salesian Order, who offered his support and help to TR2000. In 1990, the Via Lucis was first solemnly celebrated by Don Vigano in Rome at the catacomb of St. Calixtus.

From Stations of the Cross -- Stations of Light by Ann Ball with Illustrations by Brother Placid Stuckenschneider, O.S.B. $4.95 plus S&H, paperback with full-color illustrations, 64 pages. Click here for more information or to order»