The 13th Station – Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross

Between the previous Stations of the Cross is a statue of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, and above this is an arch that says “Stabat Mater” (“the mother stood”). In Catholic tradition this is where Mary stood and observed her son on the cross; other traditions place this spot at the entrance to the church. 

The stone of unction (Anointing) next to the Golgoltha

This is the Stone of Unction, where the body of Jesus was laid out and anointed with oil and spices in preparation for burial. Pilgrims who visit here kiss the stone and bring cloths that have been soaked in oil. The mosaic on the wall depicts the removal of Jesus from the cross, his anointing and his burial in the cave. 

The Stone of Unction in the Holy Sepulcher