Ever since medieval times, pilgrims have yearned to follow the Via Dolorosa – the Way of the Cross – in Jesus’ footsteps. But time, cost and the difficulties of travel put journeying to Jerusalem beyond the reach of most Christians. The ingenious answer was to create a Via Dolorosa in every church through images of Christ’s faltering steps as, scourged and crowned with thorns, he made his way to Calvary and crucifixion. Pilgrims would prayerfully process around the church, meditating on the Passion of Christ through what became known as the Stations – or stopping points – of the Cross.

The stations remains one of the most popular of Catholic devotions and across England and Wales this Lent Catholics have been encouraged to take part.