Scala Sancta  This name is taken from the “Holy Stairs” located in Rome.  The Holy Stairs, according to Catholic tradition, are the 28 marble steps leading up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem on which Jesus Christ stepped on his way to trial during his Passion.  They were brought to Rome by Saint Helena in the fourth century.

Strings   Built from Zebrawood, chosen because of the pronounced grain, the strings represent the stripes (wounds) of Jesus.

Isaiah 53:5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed”

33 degrees   The strings are set at an approximant 33-degree angle to represent the age at which Jesus was crucified.

14 Treads   Built from Bloodwood, chosen to represent the blood Jesus shed for our salvation.  There are 14, one to represent each station of the cross. 

Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” 

No Risers   There are no risers, meant to remind us that without Jesus, are lives are hollow and there is no salvation. 

Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Three Nails   There are 3 nails in each step.  Tradition tells us that Jesus had a nail driven into each wrist, and one nail driven into his feet.  Three is also the number of hours Jesus hung on the cross and the number of days before he rose from the tomb.

For those who celebrate Palm Sunday with Palms:  Upon receiving palms on Palm Sunday, it is intended that you place your palms onto the stairs.  We use a small votive candle at the bottom to keep the palms from sliding. Palms represent victory, and it is only by Jesus’s victory that we are able to obtain salvation through him.  (DO NOT light the candle!  This could result in a fire!)