Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross are a mediation on Christ’s journey, carrying His cross, through the streets of Jerusalem to Golgotha where He was crucified- the Way of the Cross. In churches there are fourteen stations with either paintings or carvings, usually in bas-relief, of the scenes to help focus on each part of Christ’s Passions and Death.

I. Jesus is condemned to death

II. Jesus receives the Cross

III. Jesus falls under the Cross

IV. Jesus meets his mother

V. Simon helps to bear the Cross

VI. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

VII. Jesus falls the second time

VIII. Jesus speaks to the women

IX. Jesus falls a third time

X. Jesus is stripped of his garments

XI. Jesus is nailed to the Cross

XII. Jesus Christ dies on the Cross

XIII. Jesus us taken from the Cross

XIV. Jesus is laid in his tomb

The Stations of the Cross at St. Anne’s, Rock Ferry were designed by Peter Paul Pugin and produced by de Beule of Ghent. The figures are carved in alto-relievo, high relief, and painted. The figures are portrayed in mediaeval costume in keeping with the Gothic revival style of the church.

The original frames for the Stations were larger and made of oak; they were replaced in 1961 to fit the spaces available after the side aisles were added. The picture of St. Gerard Majella near the St. Theresa altar still has an old-style frame.

Recently the parishioners had the Stations restored and repainted by a Liverpool firm.