This question relates somewhat to the one posted here: https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/107637/are-indulgences-previously-granted-by-popes-still-in-effect-unless-specified-oth The following (which is part of a preparatory prayer for the *Stations of the Cross* devotion) is extracted from pg. 301 of [*Mary, Help of Christians*](https://ia801604.us.archive.org/20/items/MaryHelpOfChristians/MaryHelpOfChristians_text.pdf) I have long been under the impression that an Indulgence can be gained either for oneself or for the souls in Purgatory (but not both). After reading the above, I am not so sure. QUESTION: May an indulgence simultaneously be obtained **both** for oneself and for the souls in Purgatory (if it is not specified that it is applicable only to one or the other---such as, the indulgence associated with visiting a cemetery on All Souls Day.)? Thank you.

We read in Jn 19:19-20( KJV): > And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. So, we have the INRI sign on every crucifix. Now, the images of the Stations of Cross in the Church of Blessed Sacrament in Washington DC depicts a soldier carrying a scroll with INRI written on it. In one station, Jesus himself is holding the scroll ( You can see them during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Divine Mercy Chaplet held in the Church and recorded in 2020, on YouTube). My question is : Was a scroll with INRI inscription displayed near Jesus all the way to Calvary ? Are there any extrabiblical writings available on the topic ?

St. Francis wrote a “Way of the Cross” and several centuries later St. Alphonsus also wrote one. I have been reading both in parallel, and (in my personal opinion) they are both lovely. What would be the distinguishing features that would lead a church to observe one vs. the other during Lent?

In reviewing the Stations of the Cross , I was surprised to learn that stations 3, 7, and 9—descriptions of three times Jesus fell under the weight of the cross he carried—are in fact not based on scripture. I also learned (here ) that some German and Dutch Catholics historically observed SEVEN falls, often citing as prophesy Proverbs 24:16: “though the just fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble from only one mishap.” Do Catholics have any historical, traditional, or scriptural basis—or any rationale—for claiming that Jesus fell under the weight of his own cross on the way to Calvary?

So, I would have expected 12 stations of the cross . I mean, lets face it, a lot of things in the Bible happen in 12. 12 disciples, 12 tribes, etc... Seeing as the stations of the cross are not Scripture, but rather a later invention, why were the stations that were chosen, chosen? And why 14?

I was reading [this question](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/88924/what-do-protestants-make-of-the-earliest-marian-prayer) and wondering how Protestants, in general, would react to a Catholic Stations of the Cross service. I'm not sure of the history of the idea of the Stations of the Cross, although I know there's a handful of extra-bibilical things in it. I can't see it counter to the Bible, but I don't know if Protestants would feel comfortable singing _Stabat Mater_, even though that's not a requirement. So my question is, are the Stations of the Cross a good ecumenical form of worship, and if so, have they been used independently in Protestant churches and what forms to they take? Are there any parts that differ intentionally from the normal 14 stations found in Latin Rite Catholic Churches?