Stations of the Cross: Walk with Me App Review

The newly released Stations of the Cross app from Pauline Books and Media combines beautiful images with absorbing, powerful meditations.

Developed by Pauline Books and Media, $1.99 - Available for Android and iOS devices

The choice to employ four separate voices to create compelling, thoughtful reflections to accompany each station truly sets this app apart. I was particularly drawn to the use of male voices for text intended to represent Jesus and God speaking to us.

Although I did not know at the time of purchasing the app, I quickly realized that I have the pleasure of knowing all four of the people lending their voices to the narration of this application. While I expected the soothing tones of the familiar female voices, I actually gasped in delight when I recognized the male voices. The male voices are two amazing, holy, and kind priests – who truly are authentic representation of Jesus. I share this information in hopes that knowing the heart of those sharing this message might enhance your experience with the Stations of the Cross app, as it did mine. I pray that you too may feel the beauty of their vocation through how they deliver the captivating prayers and reflections.

The Daughters of St. Paul absolutely excel at providing prayerful, engaging media to aid the faithful in their spiritual journey.

On a more functional note, the user is given the choice between traditional and contemporary images that perfectly fit the tone and words chosen for each station. One of the app's strongest qualities is the ability to paint a vivid portrait of Jesus on the road to Cavalry.

I also felt it provided a fantastic catechism as well as stirring with the listener -- encouragement and hope. I was actually brought to tears on the twelve station – Jesus’ words from the Cross are spoken (almost as a litany) with such conviction, love and truth!

What drew me in the first place to seek a Stations of the Cross app for my Android? It was my deep devotion to the 3 o’clock hour. For many years, I have had my watch set to remind me of this spirit filled time of day – depending on the craziness of my day -- I will say either a short prayer, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and/or meditate on the Stations of the Cross.

It was in the Diary of St. Faustina that led me to discover the beauty and importance of this time of day, especially these three passages:

At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion (Diary, 1320).

As often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world — mercy triumphed over justice. (1572)

My daughter, try your best to make the Stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it; and if you are not able to make the Stations of the Cross, then at least step into the chapel for a moment and adore, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, My Heart, which is full of mercy; and should you be unable to step into the chapel, immerse yourself in prayer there where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant. (1572)

I am incredibly blessed to have an adoration chapel available to visit throughout the day Monday–Friday. It is quaint and peaceful, but lacks the room for the stations to be displayed. I am so grateful to have this magnificent Stations of the Cross app for my holy hour, as well as for use during my 3 o’clock prayers.

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