The Stations of the Cross : an account of their history and devotional purpose

This compact study uncovers the tangled roots of the Stations of the Cross, tracing how a modest Carmelite monk’s imagination in 16th‑century Belgium reshaped a tradition once thought to mirror the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. By weaving together the work of Flemish scholars, early German‑Dutch devotional booklets, and surviving Renaissance sculptures, the author reveals a surprising chain of influence that links medieval pilgrim fantasies to the fourteen stations familiar to churches today. The narrative balances scholarly detail with a genuine appreciation for the fervent spirituality that animated the era’s believers.

Beyond the historical sleuthing, the book offers a gentle meditation on why the practice endures, inviting listeners to contemplate the blend of legend, literary transmission, and heartfelt piety that gave the Cross its step‑by‑step journey. It is an accessible companion for anyone observing Lent, providing context without demanding prior knowledge, and it invites further conversation about the interplay of faith, art, and history.