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Everyone's Way of the Cross
This perennially popular meditation booklet combines imaginative, full-page photos with a dialogue between Christ and the reader, urging us to carry on Christ's "unfinished business" and unite our human will with the divine will. Each mediation is an authentic application of Jesus' suffering to our personal lives. Ideal for either private devotion of public Stations of the Cross, for adult parish Lenten programs, and high school use.
32 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 2, 2026
Updated Review 2025:
Note I originally wrote a mini review of this ‘Way of the cross’ back in 2006. You can see that review here. In that review I stated:
“This is the edition I have been using for years. It was originally published as ‘everyman’s way of the cross’ and has sold over 2 million copies. The photo’s accompanying each meditation are black and white photo’s of everyday life; an apartment building someone in a library, an old man sitting in a park. These down to earth pictures help bring the meditations hope to today and now.”
The book has been through many iterations over the years. I have had editions with the titles:
Everyman’s Way of the Cross (1970, 1986)
Everyone’s Way of the Cross (1986, 2011, 2014 …)
And at least three different editions of the latter, including a current digital and print editions with the purple cover. It has been in print for 55 years as of the writing of this review between the two versions of the title. The cover went through a design change in 1994, and again in 2014. I do miss the original cover. I have editions from 1983, 1986, 1994, and a digital edition from 2014. Twice over the years the images have changed, originally they were mostly just photos from real life. Then they switched to photos of stations. And now they are black and white ink drawings. I appreciate each iteration; but I do miss the original cover and images, as it was part of what made this edition unique.
This is one of the earliest version of this devotion I can remember. I went to grade school next door to ST. Mary’s Cathedral in Kingston, Ontario. We walked next door for mass and other devotional practices. I can remember doing this stations in the late 1970’s and early 80’s at school and even remember when the booklets were updated from Everyman’s to Everyone’s version of the covers. I have used this edition almost my whole life and still love it today. My 4 go versions of this devotion are this one:
everyone’s way of the cross - Clarence Enzler
Praying the Stations of the Cross with St. Josemaria Escriva
Stations of the Cross - Saint Alphonsus Liguori - The Way of Divine Mercy
Meditations on Stations of the Cross - John Henry Newman - CTS Devotions
I have three different editions by Saint Josemaria and 2 by Saint Alphonsus, but I have reviewed over 50 versions of this devotion, and I keep coming back to this one often.
A sample station is:
“3 Jesus Falls
Christ: The God who made the universe,
and holds it in existence
by His will alone,
becomes, as man, too weak to bear
a piece of timber’s weight.
How human in His weakness is the Son of
Man.
My Father willed it thus.
I could not be your model otherwise.
If you would be My other self,
you also must accept without complaint
your human frailties.
Man: Lord Jesus, how can I refuse?
I willingly accept my weaknesses,
my irritations and my moods,
my headaches and fatigue,
all my defects of body, mind, and soul.
Because they are Your will for me,
these ‘‘handicaps,’’ of my humanity,
I gladly suffer them.
Make me content with all my discontents,
but give me strength to struggle after You.”
Though the covers and accompanying images have changed the text has remained the same through all reprints and updates to the booklet. This has remained one of my favourite versions of this devotion. I would love to see Ave Maria Press come out with a classic edition with the original cover and images again.
This is a great version of this devotion. It does not have the Stabat Mater or even the normal introductory or closing prayers, but I just pray them on my own. It is still an excellent volume and I can easily recommend it!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
Original Review from 2006:
This is the edition I have been using for years. It was originally published as ‘everyman’s way of the cross’ and has sold over 2 million copies. The photo’s accompanying each meditation are black and white photo’s of everyday life; an apartment building someone in a library, an old man sitting in a park. These down to earth pictures help bring the meditations hope to today and now.
Note it was previously published as Everyman's way of the Cross.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other ways of the cross.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
Note I originally wrote a mini review of this ‘Way of the cross’ back in 2006. You can see that review here. In that review I stated:
“This is the edition I have been using for years. It was originally published as ‘everyman’s way of the cross’ and has sold over 2 million copies. The photo’s accompanying each meditation are black and white photo’s of everyday life; an apartment building someone in a library, an old man sitting in a park. These down to earth pictures help bring the meditations hope to today and now.”
The book has been through many iterations over the years. I have had editions with the titles:
Everyman’s Way of the Cross (1970, 1986)
Everyone’s Way of the Cross (1986, 2011, 2014 …)
And at least three different editions of the latter, including a current digital and print editions with the purple cover. It has been in print for 55 years as of the writing of this review between the two versions of the title. The cover went through a design change in 1994, and again in 2014. I do miss the original cover. I have editions from 1983, 1986, 1994, and a digital edition from 2014. Twice over the years the images have changed, originally they were mostly just photos from real life. Then they switched to photos of stations. And now they are black and white ink drawings. I appreciate each iteration; but I do miss the original cover and images, as it was part of what made this edition unique.
This is one of the earliest version of this devotion I can remember. I went to grade school next door to ST. Mary’s Cathedral in Kingston, Ontario. We walked next door for mass and other devotional practices. I can remember doing this stations in the late 1970’s and early 80’s at school and even remember when the booklets were updated from Everyman’s to Everyone’s version of the covers. I have used this edition almost my whole life and still love it today. My 4 go versions of this devotion are this one:
everyone’s way of the cross - Clarence Enzler
Praying the Stations of the Cross with St. Josemaria Escriva
Stations of the Cross - Saint Alphonsus Liguori - The Way of Divine Mercy
Meditations on Stations of the Cross - John Henry Newman - CTS Devotions
I have three different editions by Saint Josemaria and 2 by Saint Alphonsus, but I have reviewed over 50 versions of this devotion, and I keep coming back to this one often.
A sample station is:
“3 Jesus Falls
Christ: The God who made the universe,
and holds it in existence
by His will alone,
becomes, as man, too weak to bear
a piece of timber’s weight.
How human in His weakness is the Son of
Man.
My Father willed it thus.
I could not be your model otherwise.
If you would be My other self,
you also must accept without complaint
your human frailties.
Man: Lord Jesus, how can I refuse?
I willingly accept my weaknesses,
my irritations and my moods,
my headaches and fatigue,
all my defects of body, mind, and soul.
Because they are Your will for me,
these ‘‘handicaps,’’ of my humanity,
I gladly suffer them.
Make me content with all my discontents,
but give me strength to struggle after You.”
Though the covers and accompanying images have changed the text has remained the same through all reprints and updates to the booklet. This has remained one of my favourite versions of this devotion. I would love to see Ave Maria Press come out with a classic edition with the original cover and images again.
This is a great version of this devotion. It does not have the Stabat Mater or even the normal introductory or closing prayers, but I just pray them on my own. It is still an excellent volume and I can easily recommend it!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
Original Review from 2006:
This is the edition I have been using for years. It was originally published as ‘everyman’s way of the cross’ and has sold over 2 million copies. The photo’s accompanying each meditation are black and white photo’s of everyday life; an apartment building someone in a library, an old man sitting in a park. These down to earth pictures help bring the meditations hope to today and now.
Note it was previously published as Everyman's way of the Cross.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other ways of the cross.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!
October 10, 2025
Note I originally wrote a mini review of this ‘Way of the cross’ back in 2006. You can see that review here. In that review I stated:
“This is the edition I have been using for years. It was originally published as ‘everyman’s way of the cross’ and has sold over 2 million copies. The photo’s accompanying each meditation are black and white photo’s of everyday life; an apartment building someone in a library, an old man sitting in a park. These down to earth pictures help bring the meditations hope to today and now.”
The book has been through many iterations over the years. I have had editions with the titles:
Everyman’s Way of the Cross (1970, 1986)
Everyone’s Way of the Cross (1986, 2011, 2014 …)
And at least three different editions of the latter, including a current digital and print editions with the purple cover. It has been in print for 55 years as of the writing of this review between the two versions of the title. The cover went through a design change in 1994, and again in 2014. I do miss the original cover. I have editions from 1983, 1986, 1994, and a digital edition from 2014. Twice over the years the images have changed, originally they were mostly just photos from real life. Then they switched to photos of stations. And now they are black and white ink drawings. I appreciate each iteration; but I do miss the original cover and images, as it was part of what made this edition unique.
This is one of the earliest version of this devotion I can remember. I went to grade school next door to ST. Mary’s Cathedral in Kingston, Ontario. We walked next door for mass and other devotional practices. I can remember doing this stations in the late 1970’s and early 80’s at school and even remember when the booklets were updated from Everyman’s to Everyone’s version of the covers. I have used this edition almost my whole life and still love it today. My 4 go versions of this devotion are this one:
everyone’s way of the cross - Clarence Enzler
Praying the Stations of the Cross with St. Josemaria Escriva
Stations of the Cross - Saint Alphonsus Liguori - The Way of Divine Mercy
Meditations on Stations of the Cross - John Henry Newman - CTS Devotions
I have three different editions by Saint Josemaria and 2 by Saint Alphonsus, but I have reviewed over 50 versions of this devotion, and I keep coming back to this one often.
A sample station is:
“3 Jesus Falls
Christ: The God who made the universe,
and holds it in existence
by His will alone,
becomes, as man, too weak to bear
a piece of timber’s weight.
How human in His weakness is the Son of
Man.
My Father willed it thus.
I could not be your model otherwise.
If you would be My other self,
you also must accept without complaint
your human frailties.
Man: Lord Jesus, how can I refuse?
I willingly accept my weaknesses,
my irritations and my moods,
my headaches and fatigue,
all my defects of body, mind, and soul.
Because they are Your will for me,
these ‘‘handicaps,’’ of my humanity,
I gladly suffer them.
Make me content with all my discontents,
but give me strength to struggle after You.”
Though the covers and accompanying images have changed the text has remained the same through all reprints and updates to the booklet. This has remained one of my favourite versions of this devotion. I would love to see Ave Maria Press come out with a classic edition with the original cover and images again.
This is a great version of this devotion. It does not have the Stabat Mater or even the normal introductory or closing prayers, but I just pray them on my own. It is still an excellent volume and I can easily recommend it!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
“This is the edition I have been using for years. It was originally published as ‘everyman’s way of the cross’ and has sold over 2 million copies. The photo’s accompanying each meditation are black and white photo’s of everyday life; an apartment building someone in a library, an old man sitting in a park. These down to earth pictures help bring the meditations hope to today and now.”
The book has been through many iterations over the years. I have had editions with the titles:
Everyman’s Way of the Cross (1970, 1986)
Everyone’s Way of the Cross (1986, 2011, 2014 …)
And at least three different editions of the latter, including a current digital and print editions with the purple cover. It has been in print for 55 years as of the writing of this review between the two versions of the title. The cover went through a design change in 1994, and again in 2014. I do miss the original cover. I have editions from 1983, 1986, 1994, and a digital edition from 2014. Twice over the years the images have changed, originally they were mostly just photos from real life. Then they switched to photos of stations. And now they are black and white ink drawings. I appreciate each iteration; but I do miss the original cover and images, as it was part of what made this edition unique.
This is one of the earliest version of this devotion I can remember. I went to grade school next door to ST. Mary’s Cathedral in Kingston, Ontario. We walked next door for mass and other devotional practices. I can remember doing this stations in the late 1970’s and early 80’s at school and even remember when the booklets were updated from Everyman’s to Everyone’s version of the covers. I have used this edition almost my whole life and still love it today. My 4 go versions of this devotion are this one:
everyone’s way of the cross - Clarence Enzler
Praying the Stations of the Cross with St. Josemaria Escriva
Stations of the Cross - Saint Alphonsus Liguori - The Way of Divine Mercy
Meditations on Stations of the Cross - John Henry Newman - CTS Devotions
I have three different editions by Saint Josemaria and 2 by Saint Alphonsus, but I have reviewed over 50 versions of this devotion, and I keep coming back to this one often.
A sample station is:
“3 Jesus Falls
Christ: The God who made the universe,
and holds it in existence
by His will alone,
becomes, as man, too weak to bear
a piece of timber’s weight.
How human in His weakness is the Son of
Man.
My Father willed it thus.
I could not be your model otherwise.
If you would be My other self,
you also must accept without complaint
your human frailties.
Man: Lord Jesus, how can I refuse?
I willingly accept my weaknesses,
my irritations and my moods,
my headaches and fatigue,
all my defects of body, mind, and soul.
Because they are Your will for me,
these ‘‘handicaps,’’ of my humanity,
I gladly suffer them.
Make me content with all my discontents,
but give me strength to struggle after You.”
Though the covers and accompanying images have changed the text has remained the same through all reprints and updates to the booklet. This has remained one of my favourite versions of this devotion. I would love to see Ave Maria Press come out with a classic edition with the original cover and images again.
This is a great version of this devotion. It does not have the Stabat Mater or even the normal introductory or closing prayers, but I just pray them on my own. It is still an excellent volume and I can easily recommend it!
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 20, 2019
The most white washed stations of the cross i have ever read. This coincides DIRECTLY with vatican two propaganda and it's nonsense.
First time I came into contact with this was today! Hah! On Good Friday!
And you know what? Left me more spiritually dry than one can think of. Poetry? At stations of the cross at church? What Is going on at the Church????
Disgusting. Donot read this - although everybody else on this book review gave it a fantastic review. Ridiculous. White washed people who are just shallow....
Moving on - I recommend blessed henry Newman's stations of the cross called the way of the cross. Its actually edifying - For the soul and mind.
Update: you donot believe me about this nonsensical modern vatican two rubbish stations of the cross? Only scroll down the reviews and read at least the one (review) given by someone named "Christian" who, mind you, says they are thankful for the gender neutrality update of this atrocious book!
What a joke!!!
DISGUSTING!!!
First time I came into contact with this was today! Hah! On Good Friday!
And you know what? Left me more spiritually dry than one can think of. Poetry? At stations of the cross at church? What Is going on at the Church????
Disgusting. Donot read this - although everybody else on this book review gave it a fantastic review. Ridiculous. White washed people who are just shallow....
Moving on - I recommend blessed henry Newman's stations of the cross called the way of the cross. Its actually edifying - For the soul and mind.
Update: you donot believe me about this nonsensical modern vatican two rubbish stations of the cross? Only scroll down the reviews and read at least the one (review) given by someone named "Christian" who, mind you, says they are thankful for the gender neutrality update of this atrocious book!
What a joke!!!
DISGUSTING!!!
March 10, 2015
This is an excellent book that coincides with The Stations of the Cross. It can be used as a personal meditation or as a group meditation on the Stations of the Cross on the Friday's during Lent or during other times for personal or small group meditations.
March 11, 2016
Our way!
The living way of the cross--the overlay of our Lord's way of the cross with our daily journey realizes our Lord's promise of the Gospel in a very personal way.
The living way of the cross--the overlay of our Lord's way of the cross with our daily journey realizes our Lord's promise of the Gospel in a very personal way.
October 13, 2017
Inspirational
Great thought provoking read. Makes one think of their commitment to God and dying to oneself. I would recommend this especially at Easter.
Great thought provoking read. Makes one think of their commitment to God and dying to oneself. I would recommend this especially at Easter.
April 19, 2019
Best book ever given to me
My mother shared this with me today. Good Friday 4/19/19! My father sent it to her from prison about 30 years ago and she still seeks this each year. They are still married and he has been forgiven by God and by her and myself and my children and husband. This book has touched my soul inside and out. I’m going to order a hard copy of it for when God takes me into his kingdom many generations of the future may have his word. 🙌🏽✝️🙏🏽❤️💜💙🦸🏽♀️💪🏽🧩 🥜
My mother shared this with me today. Good Friday 4/19/19! My father sent it to her from prison about 30 years ago and she still seeks this each year. They are still married and he has been forgiven by God and by her and myself and my children and husband. This book has touched my soul inside and out. I’m going to order a hard copy of it for when God takes me into his kingdom many generations of the future may have his word. 🙌🏽✝️🙏🏽❤️💜💙🦸🏽♀️💪🏽🧩 🥜
November 3, 2012
Our lifelong journey is never by ourselves.
March 26, 2015
Something to revisit every Lent.
This is the meditation I'm using for my classes this week. Praying the Stations of the Cross through Yoga.
This is the meditation I'm using for my classes this week. Praying the Stations of the Cross through Yoga.
November 22, 2017
This book brings the Stations of the Cross to the common people. I did like this version of the Stations.
March 16, 2016
So moving
This is just beautiful. Mr enzler's words are so moving. I will read this often. Encouraging to know of. Jesus,'s love for mankind
This is just beautiful. Mr enzler's words are so moving. I will read this often. Encouraging to know of. Jesus,'s love for mankind
April 7, 2025
I give this a 4.5, honestly. Almost every one of the stations is extremely thought-provoking on some theme that is both theological and practical to daily life. Frankly, I could probably meditate on about 12 of the 14 stations for a half an hour or so each in Adoration. A few of the stations are a bit weaker though, and I don't get the 70s BS about "my other self" and we are all Christ, and such strange and objectionable teachings; but, generally speaking, I was impressed with these Stations. They flowed well, they were almost all thought provoking, applicable, and well written.
May 11, 2025
The most thought provoking Stations of the Cross
A unique way to journey with Jesus as you walk with him through his Passion. This is a simple yet beautiful Way of the Cross where Jesus talks directly to you at each painful step. This ranks as a personal favourite alongside the Stations of St Alphonsus de Ligouri. Perfect for every day as it's quite short.
A unique way to journey with Jesus as you walk with him through his Passion. This is a simple yet beautiful Way of the Cross where Jesus talks directly to you at each painful step. This ranks as a personal favourite alongside the Stations of St Alphonsus de Ligouri. Perfect for every day as it's quite short.
March 2, 2018
Excellent Lenten Book
Wonderful version of the Stations. One that shows practical ways of living out the message of the stations. Thankful that I purchased it!
Wonderful version of the Stations. One that shows practical ways of living out the message of the stations. Thankful that I purchased it!
March 6, 2018
Excellent meditation companion
Our Lord Invites you to take this spiritual walk with Him so we,too, can carry our cross to Resurrection. You need to experience this.
Our Lord Invites you to take this spiritual walk with Him so we,too, can carry our cross to Resurrection. You need to experience this.
March 20, 2019
Powerful
This is the most interactive and spiritually powerful Way I've done. I really feel as though I'm talking to Christ.
This is the most interactive and spiritually powerful Way I've done. I really feel as though I'm talking to Christ.
April 19, 2019
Love this Stations if the Cross
These stations really help guide your meditation into the Passion of Christ because you enter into the mystery. You will be forever changed!
These stations really help guide your meditation into the Passion of Christ because you enter into the mystery. You will be forever changed!
March 27, 2021
Touches the heart
Touches the heart in a very personal way. You are with Christ and Christ with you, in the Christ and Christ in you!
Touches the heart in a very personal way. You are with Christ and Christ with you, in the Christ and Christ in you!
March 4, 2022
simple yet profound
This Way of the Cross is profound in its simplicity. I love the “Christ speaks” and “I speak” elements. Now to continue on my way.
This Way of the Cross is profound in its simplicity. I love the “Christ speaks” and “I speak” elements. Now to continue on my way.
February 26, 2023
Simple in the best way
Perfect pocket guide to the stations of the cross. Easy reflections that pack a punch and help you become closer to Jesus Christ.
Perfect pocket guide to the stations of the cross. Easy reflections that pack a punch and help you become closer to Jesus Christ.
April 8, 2025
A Roadmap of Your Life
In this small booklet are the guides for leading a wonderful life, dedicated to God, your family, your neighbors and even strangers.
In this small booklet are the guides for leading a wonderful life, dedicated to God, your family, your neighbors and even strangers.
April 13, 2019
A loving way. Thank you!
This will become one of my daily books for the rest of my life. Thank you for publishing for all of the world to have. God bless you always and everywhere.
This will become one of my daily books for the rest of my life. Thank you for publishing for all of the world to have. God bless you always and everywhere.
February 1, 2015
I love the unassuming back-and-forth of this unconventional stations of the cross. I am glad the language has been revised to be more gender-neutral.
As my faith evolves, I am being newly challenged by some of the pre-destination inferences; I am less comfortable these days with the idea that God "chooses" injury, misfortune or sickness for us or those whom we love. We are biologically imperfect, meant to be finite, and much of our destruction is of our own doing. I don't think of God as Oz pulling levers behind a curtain.
As my faith evolves, I am being newly challenged by some of the pre-destination inferences; I am less comfortable these days with the idea that God "chooses" injury, misfortune or sickness for us or those whom we love. We are biologically imperfect, meant to be finite, and much of our destruction is of our own doing. I don't think of God as Oz pulling levers behind a curtain.
March 30, 2023
5/5
shamelessly padding the stats
shamelessly padding the stats
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