The only stations I knew before discovering the Stations of the Resurrection were the Stations of the Cross. In every Catholic Church you will find the Stations of the Cross. Some Catholic parishes also have an outdoor display of these stations.

There are 14 Stations of the Cross that begin with Jesus being condemned to death before Pontius Pilate. The last station depicts the burial of Jesus.

The Franciscans in 1342, after being entrusted with the Holy Land shrines, popularized a devotion known as the Way of the Cross or the Via Dolorosa – which led pilgrims on the route Jesus took to Calvary. It wasn’t until the 1400s that each of the stops along this route became known as “stations.” Then in 1686, Pope Innocent XI allowed Franciscans to display these Stations of the Cross in their churches. In 1731, Pope Clement XII extended permission for the display of the Stations of the Cross to ALL churches.

Although the Stations of the Cross are typical findings in Catholic Churches, the Stations of the Resurrection are a relatively new discovery that begins with the catacombs in Rome. Like the Stations of the Cross, there are 14 Stations of the Resurrection. However, these stations begin with the Resurrection and continue through to the day of Pentecost.

In all the churches I have visited so far, I have only seen the Stations of the Resurrection in one church – and that church is located 15 minutes from my home in Florida. The chapel at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Safety Harbor has a beautiful display of the Stations of the Resurrection.

The history of this church is deeply tied to the Spanish arrival in 1539. On Pentecost Sunday in 1539, Hernando de Soto arrived in Tampa Bay naming the bay Bahia Espiritu Santo which means Bay of the Holy Spirit. Although several missions were established at that time, it wasn’t until the 1960s that construction began on the existing church known today as Espiritu Santo.

The chapel at Espiritu Santo church is in the back of the main sanctuary and separated by a folding glass wall. It is in this chapel where you will find the Stations of the Resurrection. Enjoy the video below of the beautiful display of these stations and a glimpse of the chapel at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church. If you live near the area, I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful church. To learn more about the Stations of the Resurrection, click here to order a copy of my book – The Way of Light: The Story Behind the Stations of the Resurrection.

My next adventure is in February. I will begin this trip in Barcelona. As many of you know, I visited Spain in 2024 and visited many different places. If you are new to this blog, you can discover Spain by clicking on the different cities noted. In 2024 I visited Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Toledo, and Valencia. One of my favorite day trips from Madrid was El Escorial. I also toured several Spanish Synagogues and Monasteries throughout the region including a Benedictine monastery in the mountains of Montserrat.

Although I had an extensive list of things to see in 2024, I missed one very important adventure located outside of Barcelona in Manresa, Spain. I will begin this February adventure in Barcelona with a quick two night stay so that I can explore the sites in Manresa. Stay tuned for the blog and video!

I will then fly from Barcelona to Porto, Portugal for five days and explore the area. I have a train reservation from Porto to Lisbon where I will spend another five days exploring. Of course, Fatima, Portugal is at the top of my list. I am very excited about this trip and look forward to sharing all of it with you when I return.

While I am away, there is some reading you can do!

My latest book is now available on Amazon. This book – In His Hands: A Study of Trust and the Book of Job, received the Nihil Obstat from the bishop’s office in St. Petersburg, Florida. Click the Amazon buttons below to order your copy today!

Enjoy the video below, Happy Reading, and God bless!

More exciting blogs and videos coming soon!