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Piety is devotion to God or religious actions. For example, nuns express their piety by praying throughout the day. There are a number of ways in which Catholics bring piety into their everyday lives and at particular points in the Christian calendar.

Stations of the Cross

During Lent, Catholics often undertake the Stations of the Cross. It is a walk that allows for reflection and re-enactment of Jesus’ final journey, when he carried his cross to Golgotha, the place of his crucifixion.

There are 14 images that remind Catholic Christians of what happened to Jesus between Pontius Pilate’s home and Golgotha. Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor at the time of Jesus’ arrest. He was responsible for law and order throughout Jerusalem.

During the walk between the stations, there is a short reading about the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, and the reading is usually followed by a prayer.

By taking part in the Stations of the Cross, many Catholic Christians feel that they have accompanied Jesus on his final journey and shared in his suffering.

Often the images of these stations are represented in church, allowing Catholics to use them as a focus for contemplation.

Rosary

A rosary is a string of beads with a cross. Catholics use rosary beads when praying to focus on certain things.

The beads are moved through the fingers when praying and the cross is held when reciting the Apostles’ Creed.

Each of the beads represents a key event in Christianity, such as the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The beads are commonly used when saying the Hail Mary.

Some criticise the use of the rosary as they feel that there is no thought given to the words in a prayer that is just repeated from memory.