The stations of the cross in the Catholic tradition consists of fourteen devotions, or stations, used as a mini pilgrimage to commemorate Christ’s last day on Earth. I never had a favorite station or one I took particular interest in. However, after reading The Eighth Station by Deirdre McQuade and Friends, I’ll be sure to take special notice of this station which shows Jesus speaking to the weeping women of Jerusalem. This book is part devotional, part memorial for a woman of faith who touched the lives of many. Its beauty lies in the diverse and expressive responses to the eighth station along with pictures from various churches across the United States. 

While the book contains uplifting and spiritually enriching pictures, essays and poems related to the eighth station of the cross, it is just as much a tribute to Deirdre McQuade, a pro-life advocate and spokeswoman for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Deirdre’s death sparked people in her life who had been collecting and sending her pictures of the eighth station during her life to compile them, along with written elements, to present a unique type of devotion in her honor. 

Even before the foreword, readers are introduced to the eighth station —Jesus Speaks to the Weeping Women—with a verse from Luke 23: 27-31. This centers readers to the Biblical reference where Jesus asks the faithful mourning women of Jerusalem to stop weeping for him and weep for themselves and their children. Readers will not get an undisputed explanation of why Deirdre was so touched by the eighth station or how this project of assembling the book came about. At first, the personal essays left me wondering more about Deirdre herself and how this project was realized. Yet, through the writings and reflections, it became clear that connections with her work reflect Christ’s comforting actions to the weeping women of Jerusalem. Deirdre served as an inspiration to many, and her devotion to the eighth station presents an example of how one woman can help lead others to a deeper contemplation of Christ’s love. 

The reflections and poems, all written by women, are interspersed with essays about recollections of Deirdre, which create a slightly non-linear journey. About half-way in the book, a quote from a friend of Deirdre summed it up. “This project is a beautiful testament to her outreach and how she connected people to help one another walk together through this life to our true home” (pg. 50). Along with other personal quotes of Deirdre’s sprinkled throughout the book, readers are invited into an intimate exploration of both the eighth station and the life of Deirdre McQuade. Even though all of my questions about Deirdre were not answered, the connection between her work and devotion to the eighth station is evident.

One of the best parts about the book is the variety of pictures, about four dozen, of the eighth station, taken by friends of Deirdre. As such, they are not professional, glossy photos perfectly centered with impeccable lighting, common to many published devotionals. Instead, they are neatly framed with occasional shadows taken from various angles that are not flawless, yet capture a clear image of each station presented. Nevertheless, the amateur nature of the photographs does not take away from the impact and emotional connection with the theme of Christ ministering to women of faith.  The lack of standard framing and professional lighting instead adds a layer of authenticity that creates a humble, yet powerful, collection of images. Together, the writing and images of The Eighth Station lead readers on a contemplative paschal journey. 

Each piece of writing includes a short biography of its author, and a picture or two of an eighth station. The pictures are varied from stained glass images and traditional relief sculptures to minimalist carvings featuring delicate wooden figures flattened on a church’s wall. One of my favorites is a picture of a life-size scene of four figures cast in bronze with a large cross centering the tableau, which sits amidst the backdrop of a luscious green forested hillside in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. While most of the essays and poems are written by the friends of Deirdre, there are some poems like Good Friday by Christina Rosetti, a well-known Pre-Raphaelite poet, which further illuminates the consoling nature of Christ.The variety of pictures and written elements show not just how artists have interpreted this story, but also how women of faith have come to understand this moment of Christ ministering to women in sorrow.

Although the essays, reflections, and poems are written by women, and the focus remains on the story of Jesus ministering to the women of Jerusalem, men can also find a spiritual connection with this devotion. Even if you are not familiar with Deirdre McQuade, readers may still enjoy the inspiring responses and photos that allow a deeper appreciation of Christ in his comforting address to the pious women. Deirdre and friends invite everyone willing to take a spiritual journey into a glimpse of their hearts, while also forging a connection with the eighth station.The book is unusual in its blend of first person accounts and devotional essays, but the collection melds an interesting and contemplative appreciation of the eighth station which I found spiritually empowering. With few devotionals focusing on one station in such depth with an array of photographs and written elements, this book remains unique. A reader interested in  exploring the eighth station both visually and in writing or anyone interested in poems and essays written from a feminine viewpoint may find this book appealing.

One of the first quotes by Deirdre on page 2 of the book captures her keen interest in the eighth station. 

“Whenever I go into a church, I take a picture of the Eighth Station of the Cross. 

Jesus stops to greet and speak with the women. 

He continues to do so today.”

Let this book and its images speak to you.