What do you think?
Rate this book
The Way of the Cross
Let St. Josemaría lead you through the Stations of the Cross! Handsomely illustrated with exquisite color paintings of the Stations of the Cross, this pocket book gives you St. Josemaría’s vivid and inspiring insights into each Station, along with his points for meditation for each one. It also contains an informative foreword by Bishop Alvaro del Portillo and an enlightening biographical note about the author. This book will enhance your prayer of the Stations — and help you joyfully walk the way of the Cross in your daily life.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1981
129 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Josemaría Escrivá
146 books176 followersSaint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer (9 January 1902 – 26 June 1975) was a Roman Catholic priest from Spain who founded Opus Dei, an organization of laypeople and priests dedicated to the teaching that everyone is called to holiness and that ordinary life is a path to sanctity. He was canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, who declared Saint Josemaría should be "counted among the great witnesses of Christianity."
Josemaría’s father’s textile business failed in 1915, so the family relocated to Logroño, where José found other work. It was in Logroño that Josemaría sensed his vocation for the first time. After seeing some bare footprints left in the snow by a friar who had walked that way a short time earlier, he felt that God wanted something from him, though he did not know exactly what. He thought that he could more easily discover what it was if he became a priest, so he began to prepare for the priesthood, first in Logroño and later in Saragossa. Following his father’s advice, he also studied for a law degree at the University of Saragossa. His father died in 1924 and Josemaría was left as head of the family. Ordained on March 28, 1925, he began his ministry in a rural parish, and afterwards in Saragossa.
In 1927, with the permission of his bishop, Fr. Josemaría moved to Madrid to work on his doctorate in law. There, on October 2, 1928, God showed him clearly the mission he had been hinting to him for several years; and he founded Opus Dei. From that day on he worked with all his energies to develop the foundation that God asked of him, while he continued to fulfill the various priestly responsibilities he had at that time. These brought him into daily contact with sickness and poverty in the hospitals and the poor districts of Madrid.
When the civil war broke out in 1936, Josemaría was in Madrid. The religious persecution forced him to take refuge in a variety of places. He exercised his priestly ministry in a clandestine fashion until he was finally able to leave Madrid. After escaping across the Pyrenees to southern France, he took up residence in Burgos.
At the end of the war in 1939 he returned to Madrid. In the years that followed he gave many retreats to lay people, priests, and members of religious orders. In the same year, 1939, he completed his doctorate in law.
Josemaría’s father’s textile business failed in 1915, so the family relocated to Logroño, where José found other work. It was in Logroño that Josemaría sensed his vocation for the first time. After seeing some bare footprints left in the snow by a friar who had walked that way a short time earlier, he felt that God wanted something from him, though he did not know exactly what. He thought that he could more easily discover what it was if he became a priest, so he began to prepare for the priesthood, first in Logroño and later in Saragossa. Following his father’s advice, he also studied for a law degree at the University of Saragossa. His father died in 1924 and Josemaría was left as head of the family. Ordained on March 28, 1925, he began his ministry in a rural parish, and afterwards in Saragossa.
In 1927, with the permission of his bishop, Fr. Josemaría moved to Madrid to work on his doctorate in law. There, on October 2, 1928, God showed him clearly the mission he had been hinting to him for several years; and he founded Opus Dei. From that day on he worked with all his energies to develop the foundation that God asked of him, while he continued to fulfill the various priestly responsibilities he had at that time. These brought him into daily contact with sickness and poverty in the hospitals and the poor districts of Madrid.
When the civil war broke out in 1936, Josemaría was in Madrid. The religious persecution forced him to take refuge in a variety of places. He exercised his priestly ministry in a clandestine fashion until he was finally able to leave Madrid. After escaping across the Pyrenees to southern France, he took up residence in Burgos.
At the end of the war in 1939 he returned to Madrid. In the years that followed he gave many retreats to lay people, priests, and members of religious orders. In the same year, 1939, he completed his doctorate in law.
In 1946 he took up residence in Rome. There he obtained a doctorate in theology from the Lateran University and was named consultor to two Vatican Congregations, as well as honorary member of the Pontifical Academy of Theology, and prelate of honor to His Holiness. He followed closely the preparations for the Second Vatican Council and its various sessions (1962-1965), keeping in touch with many of the council fathers. From Rome he frequently went to different countries in Europe, including Britain and Ireland, to spur on the apostolic work of Opus Dei. It was with the same objective that, between 1970 and 1975, he made long trips to Mexico, Spain, Portugal, South America, and Guatemala, holding catechetical gatherings which large numbers of men and women attended.
He died in Rome on June 26, 1975. Thousands of people, including many bishops (a third of all the bishops in the world), requested that the Holy See open his cause of beatification and canonization.
On May 17, 1992, Pope John Paul II beatified Josemaría Escrivá. He proclaimed him a saint ten years later, on October 6, 2002, in St. Peter’s Square, in Rome, before a great multitude. In his homily on that occasion, the Pope said: “Following in his footsteps, spread in society the awareness that we are called to holiness, without distinction of race, class, culture or age."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 17, 2025
Over the years I have used many different versions of the Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross. For over a decade now this has been my favourite. I have two very worn copies of the mini version of this book, one at home and one on my desk at work. And there is an abbreviated version of it in Handbook of Prayers edited by James Socias, this abbreviated version does not have the points to ponder, which I will get to next.
I have three different versions of this book; I have the large hard cover, the mini version and now also the eBook and each follows the same format. First a forward by Alvaro del Portillo. This is followed by the opening prayer. Then the 14 stations, each station starts with a painting from classical art, the meditation for that station. And then it has 5 Points for meditation. And then a short biography of St. Josemaria Escriva, note in some editions the biography is before the forward.
The strength of this this book beyond any other version I have used is those 5 points for meditation. When I have the time I can pray the stations and take a few minutes on each of these 5 points. Other times I pick one of them and follow that number through the 14 stations. During Lent I have been in the habit of praying the Stations daily and using these 5 numbered points one a day and then cycle back through them. And this version is excellent for personal reflection or to do together as a group or parish.
This is an excellent resource for your personal spiritual life, or for your community. I highly recommend it for Saint Josemaria Escriva, who was the founder of Opus Dei, really takes a reader deep into the mysteries of the passion of Jesus Christ.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by and about Saint Josemaria Escriva.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
I have three different versions of this book; I have the large hard cover, the mini version and now also the eBook and each follows the same format. First a forward by Alvaro del Portillo. This is followed by the opening prayer. Then the 14 stations, each station starts with a painting from classical art, the meditation for that station. And then it has 5 Points for meditation. And then a short biography of St. Josemaria Escriva, note in some editions the biography is before the forward.
The strength of this this book beyond any other version I have used is those 5 points for meditation. When I have the time I can pray the stations and take a few minutes on each of these 5 points. Other times I pick one of them and follow that number through the 14 stations. During Lent I have been in the habit of praying the Stations daily and using these 5 numbered points one a day and then cycle back through them. And this version is excellent for personal reflection or to do together as a group or parish.
This is an excellent resource for your personal spiritual life, or for your community. I highly recommend it for Saint Josemaria Escriva, who was the founder of Opus Dei, really takes a reader deep into the mysteries of the passion of Jesus Christ.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by and about Saint Josemaria Escriva.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
February 10, 2023
This is a new booklet from Scepter it contains part of the text in the book version, The Way of the Cross. It contains the same meditations but with out as much before the stations begin or after they end. At also does not contain the extra points for reflection after each station.
There are, however, a few things that make this version exception. First the price point and being able to buy in bulk. Second the illustrations or paintings from Michael O'Brien. It contains 14 original full color paintings for the stations. The paintings are beautiful, with rich colors and they evoke deep emotions and feelings.
I love this smaller booklet format. It is excellent for personal, family or group use. But also enjoy the other edition. I do wish an eBook of this version was available.
A great book. I picked up 5 and have already given the other 4 away. If you order spend the extra and order in bulk. They make great gifts through Lent, Easter Week, or all year round.
An excellent resource from Scepter Publishers.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by and about Saint Josemaria Escriva.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
There are, however, a few things that make this version exception. First the price point and being able to buy in bulk. Second the illustrations or paintings from Michael O'Brien. It contains 14 original full color paintings for the stations. The paintings are beautiful, with rich colors and they evoke deep emotions and feelings.
I love this smaller booklet format. It is excellent for personal, family or group use. But also enjoy the other edition. I do wish an eBook of this version was available.
A great book. I picked up 5 and have already given the other 4 away. If you order spend the extra and order in bulk. They make great gifts through Lent, Easter Week, or all year round.
An excellent resource from Scepter Publishers.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by and about Saint Josemaria Escriva.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 18, 2025
ESPAÑOL: Via Crucis escrito en el estilo inconfundible de San Josemaría, y de su libro más conocido, Camino.
ENGLISH: Via Crucis written in the unmistakable style of St. Josemaría, and of his best-known book, The Way (Camino) By Josemaria Escriva.
ENGLISH: Via Crucis written in the unmistakable style of St. Josemaría, and of his best-known book, The Way (Camino) By Josemaria Escriva.
February 24, 2024
Mini-libro para acompañarnos y ayudarnos a meditar en cada una de las escenas del Via Crucis; especialmente útil en este tiempo de Cuaresma.
June 6, 2020
Uno de los libros más bellos que he leído. Poesía al servicio de la meditación para el desafío de transformar la Cruz en una forma de vida.
August 19, 2022
Over the years I have used many different versions of the Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross. For over a decade now this has been my favourite. I have two very worn copies of the mini version of this book, one at home and one on my desk at work. And there is an abbreviated version of it in Handbook of Prayers edited by James Socias, this abbreviated version does not have the points to ponder, which I will get to next.
I have three different versions of this book; I have the large hard cover, the mini version and now also the eBook and each follows the same format. First a forward by Alvaro del Portillo. This is followed by the opening prayer. Then the 14 stations, each station starts with a painting from classical art, the meditation for that station. And then it has 5 Points for meditation. And then a short biography of St. Josemaria Escriva, note in some editions the biography is before the forward.
The strength of this this book beyond any other version I have used is those 5 points for meditation. When I have the time I can pray the stations and take a few minutes on each of these 5 points. Other times I pick one of them and follow that number through the 14 stations. During Lent I have been in the habit of praying the Stations daily and using these 5 numbered points one a day and then cycle back through them. And this version is excellent for personal reflection or to do together as a group or parish.
This is an excellent resource for your personal spiritual life, or for your community. I highly recommend it for Saint Josemaria Escriva, who was the founder of Opus Dei, really takes a reader deep into the mysteries of the passion of Jesus Christ.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
I have three different versions of this book; I have the large hard cover, the mini version and now also the eBook and each follows the same format. First a forward by Alvaro del Portillo. This is followed by the opening prayer. Then the 14 stations, each station starts with a painting from classical art, the meditation for that station. And then it has 5 Points for meditation. And then a short biography of St. Josemaria Escriva, note in some editions the biography is before the forward.
The strength of this this book beyond any other version I have used is those 5 points for meditation. When I have the time I can pray the stations and take a few minutes on each of these 5 points. Other times I pick one of them and follow that number through the 14 stations. During Lent I have been in the habit of praying the Stations daily and using these 5 numbered points one a day and then cycle back through them. And this version is excellent for personal reflection or to do together as a group or parish.
This is an excellent resource for your personal spiritual life, or for your community. I highly recommend it for Saint Josemaria Escriva, who was the founder of Opus Dei, really takes a reader deep into the mysteries of the passion of Jesus Christ.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 24, 2019
Эскрива отвечает на вопросы верующего христианина со страниц своей книги.
«Ты говоришь, но тебя не слушают. А если и слушают, то не понимают. Ты не понят!.. Пусть так. Но, в любом случае, для того твой крест и есть образ и подобие Креста Христова, чтобы ты трудился, не надеясь на понимание. Другие поймут тебя.»
Святой Хосемария Эскрива. «Крестный Путь»
«Ты говоришь, но тебя не слушают. А если и слушают, то не понимают. Ты не понят!.. Пусть так. Но, в любом случае, для того твой крест и есть образ и подобие Креста Христова, чтобы ты трудился, не надеясь на понимание. Другие поймут тебя.»
Святой Хосемария Эскрива. «Крестный Путь»
April 7, 2023
This book is a short collection of descriptions and meditations on The Way of the Cross. Escrívá’s straightforward prose and reflective style are ever present in his reflections on Christ’s passion. It’s worth your time. I read it over Holy Week meditating on a few each day and that was a good pace.
January 5, 2018
Me parece un libro que ayuda a revivir las escenas de la pasión de Cristo y a sentirse interpelado y movido a corresponder al amor de Dios
March 19, 2022
My personal favorite meditations on the Stations of the Cross.
July 11, 2022
One of the best Way of the Cross meditation devotionals out there. Its strength is the variety of reflection points for each station.
First time using it in an empty church this Lent and my dude. Was it powerful.
First time using it in an empty church this Lent and my dude. Was it powerful.
February 24, 2016
Strikingly beautiful. Definitely using this the next time around, when Holy Week comes up.
----
A re-read during Lent 2016. And still mantaining my old opinion.
----
A re-read during Lent 2016. And still mantaining my old opinion.
Read
February 12, 2023Un gran libro
Me ha gustado por lo profundo conocimiento del ser humano y lo bien escrito que está desde el punto de vista literario.
Me ha gustado por lo profundo conocimiento del ser humano y lo bien escrito que está desde el punto de vista literario.
Read
March 30, 2025The Way of the Cross or The Way, Jose Marie Escriva
I read the Kindle edition of the book. The Way and other writings & Homilies by Escriva are used in meditations on the Hallow App during Lent 2025. Escriva founded the Catholic order Opus Dei.
This book has become devotional classic in the Catholic faith. This book is a call to follow Jesus, by following His example of sacrificial love for the world, through meditations of the Gospel account of his trial, crucifixion, and burial using the classic imagery of the “14 Stations of the Cross.”
Meditations are often directed at your thought life…he has a pastor’s/counselor’s knowledge of what people think as they try to follow the way…style is very conversational and easy to follow. While love is a key motivating principle, use of dramatic language may be imbalanced.
My notes from Fr Mike Schmitz on Hallo
App for Sunday March 9 include the following (with my own observations):
The Way is a historic name for Christianity. The Japanese name dōjō literally means "place of the Way" in Japanese.” The book is a logical choice for Lent it discusses Jesus surrendering his own life, and includes meditations on Stations of the Cross.
The adjective "ascetic" derives from the ancient Greek term áskēsis, which means "training" or "exercise". The original usage did not refer to self-denial, but to the physical training required for athletic events. What you give up for Lent is your part of a training plan, for you to become more like Jesus.
I read the Kindle edition of the book. The Way and other writings & Homilies by Escriva are used in meditations on the Hallow App during Lent 2025. Escriva founded the Catholic order Opus Dei.
This book has become devotional classic in the Catholic faith. This book is a call to follow Jesus, by following His example of sacrificial love for the world, through meditations of the Gospel account of his trial, crucifixion, and burial using the classic imagery of the “14 Stations of the Cross.”
Meditations are often directed at your thought life…he has a pastor’s/counselor’s knowledge of what people think as they try to follow the way…style is very conversational and easy to follow. While love is a key motivating principle, use of dramatic language may be imbalanced.
My notes from Fr Mike Schmitz on Hallo
App for Sunday March 9 include the following (with my own observations):
The Way is a historic name for Christianity. The Japanese name dōjō literally means "place of the Way" in Japanese.” The book is a logical choice for Lent it discusses Jesus surrendering his own life, and includes meditations on Stations of the Cross.
The adjective "ascetic" derives from the ancient Greek term áskēsis, which means "training" or "exercise". The original usage did not refer to self-denial, but to the physical training required for athletic events. What you give up for Lent is your part of a training plan, for you to become more like Jesus.
January 5, 2019
Breve y profunda recreación del Via Crucis para la meditación personal
Una muy buena ayuda para acompañar la meditación sobre el camino de la Cruz y que muestra su profunda relación con el amor de Dios por cada uno de nosotros. En pocas páginas logra recrear las escenas de la Pasión e invitar al lector a la identificación con Jesucristo.
Una muy buena ayuda para acompañar la meditación sobre el camino de la Cruz y que muestra su profunda relación con el amor de Dios por cada uno de nosotros. En pocas páginas logra recrear las escenas de la Pasión e invitar al lector a la identificación con Jesucristo.
April 7, 2021
This Lent, I really wanted to give each day of the Triduum its due; to celebrate each day—as if I were living that time linearly—without mentally skipping ahead to Easter
And even though I attended Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, I wanted to close the evening meditating on each station; to mentally be there for the Passion.
St. Josemaria really shines by bringing you into the fold during events from Jesus' life; anyone who has meditated alongside his Holy Rosary book will understand what I mean. He calls us to be "little children" in these Biblical vignettes.
And with Hemingway-like clear and simple prose, he brings us back to Jerusalem on that Friday ~2,000 years ago.
And even though I attended Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, I wanted to close the evening meditating on each station; to mentally be there for the Passion.
St. Josemaria really shines by bringing you into the fold during events from Jesus' life; anyone who has meditated alongside his Holy Rosary book will understand what I mean. He calls us to be "little children" in these Biblical vignettes.
And with Hemingway-like clear and simple prose, he brings us back to Jerusalem on that Friday ~2,000 years ago.
June 24, 2025
For what it is, this is a great overview of the story of the Cross. St. Josemaría Escrivá does a great job of summing up each station as illustrated by Michael O’Brien — amazing artwork by the way. The only thing holding me back is the formatting of the book and some aesthetic choices, otherwise it’s a holy quick read!
March 9, 2019
Goes in the mind and straight to the heart
i love how relevant these meditations are. amd very sincere. i'd recommend it to anyone who wants to rediscover the beauty of the Passion of Our Lord and stay by His side on the way to Calvary.
i love how relevant these meditations are. amd very sincere. i'd recommend it to anyone who wants to rediscover the beauty of the Passion of Our Lord and stay by His side on the way to Calvary.
March 15, 2024
Livrinho muito bom, com meditações para acompanharmos a Via Sacra.
Para cada estação, tem a reflexão principal, narrando de forma mais atida aos Evangelhos e 5 pontos de meditação menores, fazendo alusão a nossa vida cotidiana.
Tempo estimado de leitura: 2 horas
Para cada estação, tem a reflexão principal, narrando de forma mais atida aos Evangelhos e 5 pontos de meditação menores, fazendo alusão a nossa vida cotidiana.
Tempo estimado de leitura: 2 horas
January 1, 2018
I read it once a month as I do the way of the cross. Almost every time I am moved.
April 20, 2019
Beautiful meditations!!!
Want to read
February 8, 2020Very nice book
March 28, 2020
Points of meditation at each station assists one in prayer and immersion into the wounds of Christ...
July 11, 2020
Cuanto me ayuda acompañarte por el camino de dolor que fue el precio de nuestro rescate.
March 31, 2024
Es exegéticamente profundo. Su recorrido es rico en detalles y sus puntos de meditación son muy pertinentes para la lucha ascética, para llevar el camino de la Cruz a la vida cotidiana.
March 17, 2025
Awesome!
This was a very honest approach to The Stations of the Cross. The meditation points were thought-provoking and insightful. A great tool for lent.
This was a very honest approach to The Stations of the Cross. The meditation points were thought-provoking and insightful. A great tool for lent.
August 30, 2025
espectacular
April 18, 2020
Beautiful
I really love the personal reflections and to be able to pray this way of the cross with relevant radio was such a blessing! Thank you especially during this quarantine to have this beautiful prayer book!
I really love the personal reflections and to be able to pray this way of the cross with relevant radio was such a blessing! Thank you especially during this quarantine to have this beautiful prayer book!
March 3, 2015
A necessary and probably the best companion to the Way of the Cross, which tends to deteriorate to empty ritual and a religious obligation followed by soup and pancakes in the parish hall (no offense). To get an idea of the profundity of the insights, consider the refreshing imagery used to convey a very simple truth. Point 4 under Station 6 says: "The blows are necessary to hack away what is superfluous from the huge block of marble. That is how God sculptures the image of His son in souls. Be grateful to God for those caresses."
Want to read
January 7, 2010Included in the "Spiritual Reading" section of Fr. John McCloskey's 100-book Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews