The Stations of the Cross is a prayerful exercise to help one reflect on the journey of Jesus’ last day on earth leading up to the Crucifixion. The 14 devotions, or stations, are step-by-step reflections of Christ’s sacrifice. Usually, the Stations of the Cross are undertaken in a church setting during the season of Lent as Catholics prepare for Easter.
For those who are in recovery from addiction, Stations of the Cross can also provide an opportunity to help heal wounds that contribute to their addiction through the perspective of Jesus’ struggles and sacrifices.
Jo Anne Farrell, RN, MSN, CTP, addictions healing services coordinator at Catholic Charities of South Jersey, helps parishes in the Diocese of Camden coordinate dedicated Recovery Stations of the Cross. In her experience, she’s found that when this practice is done within the recovery perspective, it can help not just those who are struggling with substance abuse, but those who are affected by their loved ones’ addictions, as well.
That’s exactly what some parishioners discovered when they arrived at the Church of the Incarnation in Mantua, recently. As people began filling the pews, Deacon Tom O’Brien passed out pamphlets for the Recovery Stations of the Cross that were about to begin. As he did, a handful of attendees apologetically responded, “Oh, I’m not here for that.”
“Just listen to the words,” Deacon O’Brien encouraged, knowing that the Recovery Stations of the Cross devotion is welcome to all. Specifically, it was a chance to come together and pray for those affected by and suffering from addiction. With research showing that 1 in 3 households are impacted by addiction, Deacon O’Brien had an underlying suspicion that even if the parishioners weren’t there for Recovery Stations, they would most likely be affected by the exercise.
The fourth station of Recovery Stations often resonates strongly with those who pray it – Jesus meets his afflicted mother. The recovery reflection reads, “Mary and other women watch as Jesus makes His way down the winding streets of Jerusalem. She is afflicted with grief and powerlessness. When Jesus was an infant, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple where Simeon prophesied to Mary, ‘You, yourself will be pierced by a sword.’ A broken heart is often the reality for those who endure the agony of a loved one’s addiction.
“Addiction is a family disease affecting and infecting the lives of all who are bound by ties of blood and love. Part of the lifelong process of recovery is to make amends to those we have caused to suffer. The best amends can be a life devoted to the challenge of real recovery.”
After the reflection, those in recovery are then led to pray, “I can see Lord, pain in the eyes of those who are about me. I also see the faith and support of so many praying for me. Help them to pray for me when I cannot pray for myself.” All 14 stations are positioned similarly to the fourth station, aligning addiction with the experience of Jesus.
It is a moving experience, Farrell said.
“People came up to the deacon afterward to say, ‘You know, my cousin, my brother, my friend is struggling with addiction. This really opened my eyes to what they’re going through,’” Farrell said. “It was truly amazing to witness. This just goes to show that everyone knows someone going through addiction, and they want to better understand more of what they’re going through.”
Deacon O’Brien said of the event, “It was edifying to see people who were reluctant [of Recovery Stations of the Cross] be grateful for having stayed. It helped them realize the struggles of the addicted.”
Katie Hagan is marketing manager for Catholic Charities Diocese of Camden.
If You Go
Recovery Stations of the Cross are planned at the following locations:
• Incarnation Church: Every Wednesday during Lent at 4 p.m., located at 240 Main St., Mantua
• Assumption Church: March 10 at 6 p.m., located at 7100 Seaview Ave., Wildwood Crest
• Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit: March 10 at 7 p.m., located at 17 Earlington Ave., Mullica Hill
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
