Indulgences of the Way of the Cross
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The Stations of the Cross constitute a major devotion in the Catholic World. They surround the various Sacred places which were personally sanctified by the sufferings and death of our Divine Savior.
Originally, this pious practice was limited to Jerusalem and its environs. Gradually it became universal as several Popes granted plenary and partial indulgences to the faithful who devoutly meditate on the Way of the Cross.
Making the Stations of the Cross carries with it a partial indulgence under the usual conditions.
To gain a partial indulgence, one must:
 | Be in a state of grace (free of mortal sin). A good Confession isn't otherwise necessary, but a contrite heart for even venial sin is. |
| Intend to receive the indulgence |
| Perform the prescribed action of the indulgence |
To gain a plenary indulgence, the following norms must be followed, in addition to the usual conditions:
| The pious exercise must be made before Stations of the Cross legitimately erected. |
| For the erection of the Stations of the Cross fourteen crosses are required, to which it is customary to add fourteen pictures or images, which represent the stations of Jerusalem. |
| According to the more common practice, the pious exercise consists of fourteen pious readings, to which some vocal prayers are added. However, nothing more is required than a pious meditation on the Passion and Death of the Lord, which need not be a particular consideration of the individual mysteries of the stations. |
| A movement from one station to the next is required. But if the pious exercise is made publicly and if it is not possible for all taking part to go in an orderly way from station to station, it suffices if at least the one conducting the exercise goes from station to station, the others remaining in their place. |
The usual conditions are:
| Have the intention of gaining the indulgence |
| Receive the Sacrament of Penance (within several days before or after the prescribed action of the indulgence, though the same day is best, if possible) |
| Receive the Eucharist (within several days before or after the prescribed action of the indulgence, though the same day is best, if possible) |
| Pray 6 Our Fathers , 6 Hail Marys, and 6 Glory Bes for the intentions of the Holy Father (within several days before or after the prescribed action of the indulgence, though the same day is best, if possible). |
| Perform the prescribed action of the indulgence. |
| Be free from all attachment to venial sin |
Those who are "impeded" can gain the same indulgence if they spend at least one half an hour in pious reading and meditation on the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ.