Stations of the Cross commemorated in local parishes

by Shannon Grooms

posted on March 13, 2012

Sacred Heart Church in Pine Ridge, and Our Lady of the Sioux in Oglala are observing the season of Lent with Stations of the Cross.

The Stations of the Cross are fourteen steps that commemorate the suffering and the death of Jesus on the cross, beginning with his condemnation by Pontius Pilate, and concluding with his body being placed in the tomb. It is a traditional Catholic prayer that can be done anytime of the year but is normally done only during Lent.

Our Lady of the Sioux is praying the Stations of the Cross on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Church. Parishioners begin in the Brother Denny Center at 6:00 p.m. to share soup that is provided by a different volunteer each week.

Sacred Heart is praying the Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. A cross is processed through the church and past the stations, and those present follow the cross to each station where a reading is read, a response is prayed, and a song is sung.

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and continues until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper begins on Holy Thursday. Traditionally, Lent is a time of prayer, penance, repentance, almsgiving, and acts of self-denial. These spiritual practices help us to celebrate Easter with mind and heart renewed. The word “Lent” means “springtime.” It is the springtime of the Church as we prepare for the celebration of the Resurrection at Easter.

 If you are interested in learning more about any of the Catholic churches on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, contact Fr. Steve Sanford at 605-867-5491 ext. 604.