Orientation

The "Stations of the Cross" is an outdoor devotional activity jointly sponsored by St. Mark's Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, and First Christian Church of San Marcos, Texas. These churches are pleased to host this old and popular devotion representing the final events in the life of Jesus. Many Christians have wished to walk where Christ walked the week of his passion. With the hard work and dedication of these four congregations comes the incredible recreation of the path to a hill from which Jesus seems to have known he would never return and yet, return always.

Experience this 1.2 mile interactive journey into the Hill Country and relive the events leading up to Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday. From Jesus' condemnation by Pilate, to when he was placed in the tomb, this devotional walk has been carefully orchestrated to be reminiscent of those taking place centuries ago.

The walk takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Caution: If you will be using a wheelchair, buddy seat, or golf cart, it may be a good idea to have someone come with you. If you need help we will do our best. We also have a limited ability to furnish interpreters for hearing-impaired visitors; please call (512) 396-1926 or (512) 353-1979 for info or scheduling..

History of "Stations of the Cross"

Since the time of Constantine in 313 AD, many Christians have thronged to Jerusalem to follow in Christ's path, but for the majority of those crowds and pilgrims, that journey has been an unrealized dream. The "Stations of the Cross" represent fourteen events in Jesus' life, from the time he was condemned by Pilate to when Joseph and Nicodemus placed him in a tomb.

In the Middle Ages, churches began to build chapels to commemorate an event in the passion of Jesus. In the fifteenth century, the Franciscans developed the devotions that have come to be called the "Stations of the Cross." The word "station" (statio) implies either "standing still" or "a gathering place." The devotions took place out of doors, usually along a roadside where a cross or some other objects reminiscent of an event in Jesus' passion had been erected.

By the seventeenth century, stations began to be placed in churches, normally arranged at intervals around the walls and marked by a simple cross. At first, the number of stations varied considerably, but was finally fixed at fourteen by the Catholic Pope, Clement XII. Nine of the stations commemorate events from early Christian tradition.

In general

The devotions can be either public or private. Prayers are said at each station and a short meditation on the scene from the passion is read. When it is public and taking the form of a service, a verse from the hymn Stabat Mater ("At the Cross Her Station Keeping") or some other suitable song is sung between each of the stations.

There is no right or wrong way to participate in the service that will take place at "The Station of the Cross; A Hill Country Meditation." A contemplative attitude opens the heart to the personal meaning of the devotions. Do not, however, be afraid to touch or handle any of the props that are provided along this walk. Anything is appropriate that truly helps you to take in this mystery of "Love so amazing, so divine."