THE VIA DOLOROSA

The Via Dolorosa is a well thought out, researched and critical uncovering of the sanitized Gospel Narratives of the Passion, Crucifixion and Death of Jesus Christ. It is an enriching challenge to our knowledge of the facts that circumscribed Jesus’ Way of Sorrow. I should be sincere; no one had ever told me what Michael’s Spiritual Treatise told me about the Passion, Crucifixion and Death of Jesus Christ. It becomes a must-read for not only Christians but also all those who seek the Truth.The treatise exhibits the author’s intellectual simplicity in demystifying the salvific work of Christ. A careful reading lifts the mind and soul of the reader to the physical scenes of the Via Dolorosa in the Holy Land. Hence, the author achieves the purpose of his research: providing a deeper understanding of the salvific work of Christ, and hence growing in the knowledge of God’s unfathomable love for us. I am not at pain to suggest that this winner of the Christian Writers’ Award be adopted in an abridged version, as a Lenten Manual to explicate the mystery of Christian suffering as exhibited in the Passion of Christ.Rev. Joseph Mary KasekendeSt. Mary's National Seminary Ggaba, Uganda

In the Introduction of The Via Dolorosa Deacon Michael lays out his goal of providing a deeper understanding of the passion and death of Jesus Christ. He achieves his goal far above one's expectation as I found myself reading the 174 pages in one sitting. His book is both interesting and riveting even to the well documented footnotes and graphics throughout the book. He takes the time to pause at each station along the way not only for meditation and reflection, but also for education. In the conclusion he mentions a saying of St. Jerome, "When we pray we speak to God, but when we read, God speaks to us." Reading the Via Dolorosa is God speaking about what His Son experienced on the way to Calvary for us. Well done Deacon Michael Russo.

Lots of archaeological evidence, plenty of illustrations, and detailed descriptions make for a very compelling read. Particularly during Lent, this book can be a useful aid to meditation for anyone.

So touching! Written well. I read it during Lent last year. It made the holy season very rich.

Great book. I've read it twice now. Wish it was longer. Great read.

G.K. Chesterton often remarked that everybody is quick to tell us what is wrong, but will not tell us what is the truth. In "the Via Dolorosa," Deacon Michael Russo accepts Chesterton's invitation and sets forth the truth, the painful, uplifting, exhilarating truth of Christ's Passion and death. Covering just 175 pages, with well-placed photos and illustrations, Deacon Michael takes the reader step-by-step with Christ along "the Via" going from Station to Station. At each of these 14 stopping points, Deacon Michael rests, not because he is tired, but because these are teaching moments. Here the reader is given a chance to catch his breath and learn from the author the meaning of terms like hematidrosis (p. 50). Here the reader truly begins to understand Christ's Passion through the interwoven complexities of biblical analysis, linguistic nuance, archaeological discovery, and historic and cultural background. Even though "the Via Dolorosa" is a work of scholarship, do not think it is over your head. Just the opposite. The writing is informative and clear. Look at this example, "Nazareth was considered a `nothing' town" (p. 79). Just a few short words were used to get the point across. Throughout the book you will find snippets laden with thoughts expressed in easy-to-understand language. You will find answers to questions you never thought of asking: how much did the cross weigh? Did Jesus carry the entire cross or just the crossbeam (patibulum)? What actually caused Jesus' death? Where did the practice of crucifixion originate? After reading "the Via Dolorosa," you will be enlightened. Never again will you take for granted concepts of salvation or redemption. The Christian believer cannot help but have his faith fortified by traveling the Way of Sorrows with Deacon Michael, and in this manner, sharing in the truth he tells us about, just as it is.

This book is a great look at the Last Day of Christ and how he suffered Physically through the Roman torture and subsequent crucifixion. Deacon Russo gives a comprehensive review of both medical details and the emotional and spiritual toll that Pilate, Herod, and soldiers inflicted on the Christ. This is a wonderful tool if you are going to Jerusalem to Walk the Via Dolorosa, or if you just want to meditate on the stations of the Cross.

"The Via Dolorosa" by written by Deacon Michael Russo is a superb discourse on the Passion of Jesus. Mike puts us right at the scene and lets us walk with Jesus on his way to Golgotha. We see and feel first hand, the pain and humiliation Jesus went through for us.