Please join us on a driving pilgrimage through The Stations of the Cross on Good Friday (April 10) from 9am-3pm.
If you are unfamiliar with this devotional prayer of the Catholic Church, it is a way to meditate on the suffering of Jesus on His journey to the cross. It is typically prayed in churches on Fridays during Lent (the season leading up to Easter). With the CoronaVirus precautions, gathering to pray together has not been possible, so we are getting creative this year.
This driving route will take you to 14 different locations around the Kalamazoo area where each of the stations have been creatively displayed. You can pull off at each station to pray, but please remain in your vehicle, in accordance with state social distancing requirements. It is okay to smile and wave at friends or those we see in the community! The entire journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes without pauses.
A series of maps has been created and linked below, or you may follow along in this website, to best guide you from station to station. You may print these pages, download for your navigator to look at, or view online on a smartphone/tablet. Please also read the “Travel Notes” for each page. Using GPS alone may not give you the best route, including the safest place to pull off or make turns and not back up traffic.
This website has devotionals that are brief and designed to pray while not obstructing traffic too long. If you would like to follow more traditional prayers or would like to know more about the stations and/or Catholic faith click here.
If you will be traveling with children, here are links to a few coloring pages of the stations you can print off:
My favorite 2-page coloring sheets or Catholic Icing has a wealth of options.
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Please join us in praying for our community as you travel through it. We have been praying for you and hope this pilgrimage enhances your Lenten faith journey!
PS. St. Mary's (your first station) has drive through confessions available 9am - noon.
PPS. The first station is preceded by a Last Supper Statue at Willis Law 343 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI and your directions will begin from their parking lot off of Westnedge Ave.
Note: There is nothing in the governor's stay-home order that we are not abiding by. She has repeatedly, openly said to go for a drive, go for a walk, go to the park, etc. Just stay off playground equipment and stay 6 ft or more from those not part of your family unit. That is why we are advising to remain IN your vehicle while on the route.
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** Those choosing to participate are doing so under their own free will and recognizance. All assumption of risk is the participant's. There is no assumption of safety or responsibility by the organizers or home owners. The map and suggestions are just that, suggestions. Use common sense at all times. Obey all traffic laws. Be aware of your surroundings & pedestrians at all times. Use turn signals and/or hazard lights where appropriate.
Home owners will have displays out for a minimum of 6 hours. If you get in a pack and it is disruptive to traffic flow please take a break and continue a bit later.
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Clicking Below signifies that you have read and understand these instructions.
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You can download the PDF of the routes here. Note: the PDF may have more clarity to zoom in on the maps, if necessary