The 14 Stations of the Cross mark significant moments on Jesus’ path to crucifixion. These are actual places in Jerusalem, which I visited in 2023. Representations of the Stations of the Cross are popular in Timor-Leste, the second most Catholic country in the world (after the Vatican City), marking both pilgrimage routes to usually three crosses, and being displayed within churches. They may be simple crosses or pictures showing the significant moments.

A great example is in Oé-Cusse, the Via Sacra Trail. This starts close to the Lifau Monument, which marks where the Portuguese first landed in Timor, bringing Catholicism with them. Bright yellow stations with paintings line a route up the hillside to a crucification scene. Every Good Friday thousands of people follow this trail.

Cristo Rei is the best known religious site in Timor-Leste, visible from most places in Dili. It is home to the most substantial Stations of the Cross, marked by embossed metal plates leading up the headland of Cape Fatucama.

At the other end of Dili is a Stations of the Cross trail starting from the Cave of Our Lady of Mount Golgotha, close to Tasi Tolu, which leads to an excellent lookout over the city.

Viqueque has a different approach, with their Stations of the Cross being marked through the town, culminating at the impressive Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Laga was an unexpected gem in Baucau, revealing its many sights of interest with a bit of exploratory effort. One of which was this Stations of the Cross on the corner of the road leading inland to Baguia.

Despite Atauro Island being prominently Protestant, there is a simple Stations of the Cross leading from the southern end of Vila to Lady Mary Cave, with the three crosses nearby providing great views of the island’s administrative capital below.

There were good paintings of the Stations of the Cross inside Our Lady of Fatima Church, one of many churches in Pante Macassar, the main town in Oé-Cusse.

To finish with the Stations of the Cross leading to the summit of Cacusa, one of the highest points in the Dili region, marked by a Hollywood style sign…