The Stations of the Cross
╬ Fr. Timothy P. Elliott, Pastor of St. Gianna Catholic Church
All: Lord Jesus Christ, we want to join our minds and hearts to You as we meditate on Your passion and death. May Your thoughts become our thoughts; Your Love, our love; Your peace, our peace. Help us to have true repentance for our sins, and avoid anything that will lead us to sin again. May we be grateful for all that You have done in order to make us children of God. We now walk with You on the road to our salvation.
At the cross her stations keeping
Stood the mournful Mother weeping
Close to Jesus to the last.
At the cross her stations keeping
Stood the mournful Mother weeping
Close to Jesus to the last.
The First Station -- Jesus is condemned to death.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said to the multitudes: "I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). Now the Lord of Life is standing for judgement before Pontius Pilate. He says to the silent Jesus, "Do you not know that I have power to release you and the power to crucify you?" Pilate has power because of Caesar, but only God truly has power over life and death. In this case awaiting judgement, it is not the judge, but the accused who has the power "to lay down His life and take it up again." Jesus whose very name means "savior" was born to take away the sins of the world; to take the punishment we deserve in order that we might have life. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, I do not want to wash my hands of Your Blood as Pilate did. It is Your saving death, Your Most Precious Blood, alone, that frees me from the death of sin. I give You thanks for the sacrifice that You are about to make -- so that I may have life now and for ever.
Our Father . . . (Rise)
Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword has passed.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said to the multitudes: "I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). Now the Lord of Life is standing for judgement before Pontius Pilate. He says to the silent Jesus, "Do you not know that I have power to release you and the power to crucify you?" Pilate has power because of Caesar, but only God truly has power over life and death. In this case awaiting judgement, it is not the judge, but the accused who has the power "to lay down His life and take it up again." Jesus whose very name means "savior" was born to take away the sins of the world; to take the punishment we deserve in order that we might have life. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, I do not want to wash my hands of Your Blood as Pilate did. It is Your saving death, Your Most Precious Blood, alone, that frees me from the death of sin. I give You thanks for the sacrifice that You are about to make -- so that I may have life now and for ever.
Our Father . . . (Rise)
Through her heart, His sorrow sharing
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword has passed.
The Second Station -- Jesus takes up the Cross.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said to all: "If any man would come after me, let him take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Jesus is now presented with the wood of the heavy Cross. He reaches out for the Cross; He wants the Cross; He loves the Cross. Jesus knows that His sacrifice upon it will free us from sin and make us the children of God that we are meant to be. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to bear the cross of daily suffering in union with You. May I put each little trial, one by one, upon the Cross, so that I may learn to love it as You did. Take away my fear so that I may truly become Your disciple. Let me walk with You trusting in the love that frees me from sin and death.
Hail Mary . . . (Rise)
O, how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole Begotten One.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said to all: "If any man would come after me, let him take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Jesus is now presented with the wood of the heavy Cross. He reaches out for the Cross; He wants the Cross; He loves the Cross. Jesus knows that His sacrifice upon it will free us from sin and make us the children of God that we are meant to be. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to bear the cross of daily suffering in union with You. May I put each little trial, one by one, upon the Cross, so that I may learn to love it as You did. Take away my fear so that I may truly become Your disciple. Let me walk with You trusting in the love that frees me from sin and death.
Hail Mary . . . (Rise)
O, how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole Begotten One.
The Third Station -- Jesus falls for the first time.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus taught the multitude on the mountain: "But I say to you, love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:43). The soldiers beat Him and curse at Him. They want this dirty business of execution to end without delay. The crowds spit on Him and rocks bruise His already torn flesh. As Jesus carries the wood of the heavy cross, He stumbles and falls for the first time. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, You are silent like the innocent lamb that is led to the slaughter. In Your silence, Your reveal Your most Sacred Heart to us. To those who curse, You respond with heartfelt prayer for their souls. To those who hate, You offer the sacrifice of Yourself for their salvation. To those who are indifferent, You pour out mercy upon them to soften their hardened hearts. As You rise from this first fall, You show us the power of Divine Love.
Glory be . . . (Rise)
Christ above in torment hangs
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus taught the multitude on the mountain: "But I say to you, love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:43). The soldiers beat Him and curse at Him. They want this dirty business of execution to end without delay. The crowds spit on Him and rocks bruise His already torn flesh. As Jesus carries the wood of the heavy cross, He stumbles and falls for the first time. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, You are silent like the innocent lamb that is led to the slaughter. In Your silence, Your reveal Your most Sacred Heart to us. To those who curse, You respond with heartfelt prayer for their souls. To those who hate, You offer the sacrifice of Yourself for their salvation. To those who are indifferent, You pour out mercy upon them to soften their hardened hearts. As You rise from this first fall, You show us the power of Divine Love.
Glory be . . . (Rise)
Christ above in torment hangs
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son.
The Fourth Station -- Jesus meets His holy Mother.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said to those in the crowded house, "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister, and mother" (Matt. 12:50). Mary, whose heart is perfectly united to the will of God, now encounters her Son face to face on the way to Calvary. The Holy Face she gazed upon as He lay in the manger of Bethlehem is the Face that is now torn and bruised by His intense passion. Even though the suffering of this Mother is beyond compare, in her heart, she keeps repeating the words "Thy will be done." She accepts the Father's plan to redeem the world with the wordless assent of her tears. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, You willed to give Your Mother to be our Mother as You hung upon the Cross. You said to John, and through him, to us, "Behold your Mother." May we in union with the Blessed Virgin Mary, desire to do Your will, no matter what it may cost us. May we be faithful to Your commandments and the teachings of Holy Mother Church, even though it may mean the loss of the esteem and respect of others.
Our Father . . . (Rise)
Is there one who would not weep,
'whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ's dear Mother to behold.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said to those in the crowded house, "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister, and mother" (Matt. 12:50). Mary, whose heart is perfectly united to the will of God, now encounters her Son face to face on the way to Calvary. The Holy Face she gazed upon as He lay in the manger of Bethlehem is the Face that is now torn and bruised by His intense passion. Even though the suffering of this Mother is beyond compare, in her heart, she keeps repeating the words "Thy will be done." She accepts the Father's plan to redeem the world with the wordless assent of her tears. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, You willed to give Your Mother to be our Mother as You hung upon the Cross. You said to John, and through him, to us, "Behold your Mother." May we in union with the Blessed Virgin Mary, desire to do Your will, no matter what it may cost us. May we be faithful to Your commandments and the teachings of Holy Mother Church, even though it may mean the loss of the esteem and respect of others.
Our Father . . . (Rise)
Is there one who would not weep,
'whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ's dear Mother to behold.
The Fifth Station -- Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus Carry His Cross.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus spoke to His apostles saying: "The Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28). Simon of Cyrene wanted nothing to do with the crucifixion of a criminal, except to watch from the sideline as He passed by. At this very moment, it became clear to the soldiers that Jesus couldn't make it to Calvary alone, so they forced Simon to help Him. Out of all the men in the crowd, Simon was made to share the heavy burden of the Cross with the condemned man. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, Simon of Cyrene began by being forced to carry the Cross, but this act soon became one of service and charity to You. In serving You, he was converted. You, at that very moment, were paying the debt of his sin and all the sins of the world. Convert my heart, so that I may be able to lay down my life in service for my family, friends, and all that I meet on the road of life.
Hail Mary . . . (Rise)
Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain
In that Mother's pain untold?
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus spoke to His apostles saying: "The Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28). Simon of Cyrene wanted nothing to do with the crucifixion of a criminal, except to watch from the sideline as He passed by. At this very moment, it became clear to the soldiers that Jesus couldn't make it to Calvary alone, so they forced Simon to help Him. Out of all the men in the crowd, Simon was made to share the heavy burden of the Cross with the condemned man. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, Simon of Cyrene began by being forced to carry the Cross, but this act soon became one of service and charity to You. In serving You, he was converted. You, at that very moment, were paying the debt of his sin and all the sins of the world. Convert my heart, so that I may be able to lay down my life in service for my family, friends, and all that I meet on the road of life.
Hail Mary . . . (Rise)
Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain
In that Mother's pain untold?
The Sixth Station -- Veronica wipes the Face of Jesus with her veil.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said in the parable: "as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me" (Matt. 25:40). Veronica could not stop the sorrowful procession that was passing by her door. She was only one woman against the soldiers of the Roman Empire who were forcing Jesus down the road to His execution. She decided to do what she could. In the brief moment of time that she had, she took off her veil and wiped the bloody face of Jesus to relieve Him just a little. Jesus left the imprint of His Face on her veil. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to see that I may serve You in the simple, ordinary tasks of daily life. No matter how ordinary or monotonous my daily duty may be, it is the road to sanctity. Whatever I do out of love for You, especially a deed of charity to the least, bears the imprint of Your Divine face.
Glory be . . . (Rise)
Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled
She beheld her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges rent.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said in the parable: "as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me" (Matt. 25:40). Veronica could not stop the sorrowful procession that was passing by her door. She was only one woman against the soldiers of the Roman Empire who were forcing Jesus down the road to His execution. She decided to do what she could. In the brief moment of time that she had, she took off her veil and wiped the bloody face of Jesus to relieve Him just a little. Jesus left the imprint of His Face on her veil. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to see that I may serve You in the simple, ordinary tasks of daily life. No matter how ordinary or monotonous my daily duty may be, it is the road to sanctity. Whatever I do out of love for You, especially a deed of charity to the least, bears the imprint of Your Divine face.
Glory be . . . (Rise)
Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled
She beheld her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges rent.
The Seventh Station -- Jesus falls the second time.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said to Thomas: "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Jesus is half way to Calvary, but each step wracked with pain, seems like an eternity. In spite of the help of Simon and the kindness of Veronica, He is so weak that He falls a second time. His sacred Hands reach out to prevent His fall and they are cut and bruised by the rocks on the road. Jesus will not falter; He rises again to continue His journey. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, often the temptation to sin is so strong and I am so weak. It seems that I keep falling into the same sins over and over again. Help me to quickly repent and frequently use the Sacrament of Penance. Lift me up and keep me on the way that leads to eternal life.
Our Father . . . (Rise)
For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said to Thomas: "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Jesus is half way to Calvary, but each step wracked with pain, seems like an eternity. In spite of the help of Simon and the kindness of Veronica, He is so weak that He falls a second time. His sacred Hands reach out to prevent His fall and they are cut and bruised by the rocks on the road. Jesus will not falter; He rises again to continue His journey. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, often the temptation to sin is so strong and I am so weak. It seems that I keep falling into the same sins over and over again. Help me to quickly repent and frequently use the Sacrament of Penance. Lift me up and keep me on the way that leads to eternal life.
Our Father . . . (Rise)
For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent.
The Eighth Station -- Jesus speaks to the holy women.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus spoke to the weeping women: "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children" (Luke 23:28). The hearts of the women who loved Jesus are overflowing with compassion as they followed Him on the way to Calvary. He told them not to weep so much for Him because His pain was the loving response to the Father's plan to redeem the world -- it would bring infinite good. The only thing that deserves sadness and tears is sin. Weep for your sins and the sins of your children, especially those who would refuse to accept the Divine Mercy that was being poured upon the whole world at this very moment. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to be truly sorry for my sins. You paid the price of my salvation, by Your passion and death. Do not let me fall into lukewarmness and indifference, but grant me zeal, and the grace to love without counting the cost.
Hail Mary . . . (Rise)
O sweet Mother! Fount of Love,
Touch my spirit from above
Make my heart with yours accord.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus spoke to the weeping women: "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children" (Luke 23:28). The hearts of the women who loved Jesus are overflowing with compassion as they followed Him on the way to Calvary. He told them not to weep so much for Him because His pain was the loving response to the Father's plan to redeem the world -- it would bring infinite good. The only thing that deserves sadness and tears is sin. Weep for your sins and the sins of your children, especially those who would refuse to accept the Divine Mercy that was being poured upon the whole world at this very moment. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to be truly sorry for my sins. You paid the price of my salvation, by Your passion and death. Do not let me fall into lukewarmness and indifference, but grant me zeal, and the grace to love without counting the cost.
Hail Mary . . . (Rise)
O sweet Mother! Fount of Love,
Touch my spirit from above
Make my heart with yours accord.
The Ninth Station -- Jesus falls the third time.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus warned us that "the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matt. 7:14). The hill of Calvary is near; the end is in sight. Jesus knew from the beginning all that He would have to suffer -- each lash of the whip; each thorn; each step upon the road; each wound upon His Sacred Body. Now that the goal is within His grasp, He falls hard -- He falls the third time. It will take all of His strength to rise again to walk those last steps. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to keep the goal of heaven before my eyes. I want to persevere in repentance and Your grace, but I am so weak, and afraid, and don't see the path clearly. There are many temptations to take the easy way. Strengthen my hope; banish my fear; keep me moving forward without hesitation to You and my heavenly home.
Glory be . . . (Rise)
Make me feel as You have felt
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus warned us that "the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matt. 7:14). The hill of Calvary is near; the end is in sight. Jesus knew from the beginning all that He would have to suffer -- each lash of the whip; each thorn; each step upon the road; each wound upon His Sacred Body. Now that the goal is within His grasp, He falls hard -- He falls the third time. It will take all of His strength to rise again to walk those last steps. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to keep the goal of heaven before my eyes. I want to persevere in repentance and Your grace, but I am so weak, and afraid, and don't see the path clearly. There are many temptations to take the easy way. Strengthen my hope; banish my fear; keep me moving forward without hesitation to You and my heavenly home.
Glory be . . . (Rise)
Make me feel as You have felt
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
The Tenth Station -- Jesus is stripped of His garments.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said: "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:20-21). The moment has arrived for the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Jesus reaches Calvary and is prepared for the Cross by first stripping Him of His garments. He has been stripped of everything else -- one of His apostles betrayed Him; the others abandoned Him; the crowd demanded His death; Peter denied even knowing the man. He, who was born in poverty, had no possessions except the clothes on His back. Now even these are taken from Him, pulling open the wounds of His lacerated flesh. Soon the soldiers will be throwing dice for His clothes. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, we so often cling to the possessions of this world and try to find our happiness in them. We easily love money and put material goods in the first place of our lives, instead of You. Help us to use the blessings of this world in the right way. Give us the wisdom to strive for the eternal treasures of grace, virtue and the good deeds, which merit heaven.
Our Father . . . (Rise)
Holy Mother, pierce me through
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said: "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:20-21). The moment has arrived for the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Jesus reaches Calvary and is prepared for the Cross by first stripping Him of His garments. He has been stripped of everything else -- one of His apostles betrayed Him; the others abandoned Him; the crowd demanded His death; Peter denied even knowing the man. He, who was born in poverty, had no possessions except the clothes on His back. Now even these are taken from Him, pulling open the wounds of His lacerated flesh. Soon the soldiers will be throwing dice for His clothes. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, we so often cling to the possessions of this world and try to find our happiness in them. We easily love money and put material goods in the first place of our lives, instead of You. Help us to use the blessings of this world in the right way. Give us the wisdom to strive for the eternal treasures of grace, virtue and the good deeds, which merit heaven.
Our Father . . . (Rise)
Holy Mother, pierce me through
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
The Eleventh Station -- Jesus is nailed to the Cross.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" (Matt. 6:12). The Cross is flat on the ground, and even though Jesus can barely move, He doesn't wait for the soldiers. He lies upon the Cross with arms and legs extended ready for the nails. The banging of the hammer echoes on the hills as His hands and feet are violently pierced. He is permanently attached to the Cross. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to be able to forgive those who have hurt me, whether though malice or without thought. Take all bitterness and desire for revenge from my heart. You forgave those who nailed Your blessed hands and feet. You forgave me, even though my sins put You there. With Your grace, I can forgive, too.
Hail Mary . . . (Rise)
Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" (Matt. 6:12). The Cross is flat on the ground, and even though Jesus can barely move, He doesn't wait for the soldiers. He lies upon the Cross with arms and legs extended ready for the nails. The banging of the hammer echoes on the hills as His hands and feet are violently pierced. He is permanently attached to the Cross. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to be able to forgive those who have hurt me, whether though malice or without thought. Take all bitterness and desire for revenge from my heart. You forgave those who nailed Your blessed hands and feet. You forgave me, even though my sins put You there. With Your grace, I can forgive, too.
Hail Mary . . . (Rise)
Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.
The Twelfth Station -- Jesus dies upon the Cross.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus prophesied: "I, when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all men to myself" (John 12:32). The Cross of Jesus is lifted up between earth and heaven. His Blessed Mother, John, the youngest apostle, and the dear penitent Mary Magdalene are beneath with tears of compassion. The soldiers are gambling behind. The members of the Sanhedrin are mocking as they pass by. The two thieves are crucified one on each side. In spite of Jesus' beaten and bloody body and being a condemned criminal like himself, the one thief recognizes who He is and says, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus allows this faith-filled thief to steal heaven at the last moment of his life -- "This day you will be with me in Paradise." (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, my heart is torn with grief as I gaze upon the crucifix and think of Your suffering. Yet where would I be today without Your sacrifice? When the soldier pierced Your side and Your Sacred Heart with his spear, blood and water poured forth. You continue to pour out grace and mercy upon the whole world through Holy Mother Church and her seven sacraments. Through them, let me recognize You as the King of my life.
Glory be . . . (Rise)
Let me mingle tears with thee
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus prophesied: "I, when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all men to myself" (John 12:32). The Cross of Jesus is lifted up between earth and heaven. His Blessed Mother, John, the youngest apostle, and the dear penitent Mary Magdalene are beneath with tears of compassion. The soldiers are gambling behind. The members of the Sanhedrin are mocking as they pass by. The two thieves are crucified one on each side. In spite of Jesus' beaten and bloody body and being a condemned criminal like himself, the one thief recognizes who He is and says, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." And Jesus allows this faith-filled thief to steal heaven at the last moment of his life -- "This day you will be with me in Paradise." (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, my heart is torn with grief as I gaze upon the crucifix and think of Your suffering. Yet where would I be today without Your sacrifice? When the soldier pierced Your side and Your Sacred Heart with his spear, blood and water poured forth. You continue to pour out grace and mercy upon the whole world through Holy Mother Church and her seven sacraments. Through them, let me recognize You as the King of my life.
Glory be . . . (Rise)
Let me mingle tears with thee
Mourning Him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
The Thirteenth Station -- Jesus is taken down from the Cross.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus spoke from the Cross: "It is finished" (John 19:20). After three hours, Jesus' mission of redemptions is accomplished. He abandons Himself into His Father's hands. Two disciples, Joseph and Nicodemus, request the Body of Jesus from Pilate and it is carefully lowered from the Cross into the arms of His Blessed Mother. She looks at the wounds that cover the dead Body of her Son and then looks out, as if to all mankind. "Do you see what my Son has done for you? Do you see how your sins have hurt Him? Can you not look upon Him and promise to hurt Him no more?" (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, You have completed what You were born to do -- You have redeemed the world from the debt of sin. May I strive to remain Your true disciple and a child of God, the Father. Accept my prayer and penance, united to Yours, in atonement for my sins and those of the whole world.
Our Father . . . (Rise)
By the Cross with you to stay
There with you to weep and pray
Is all I ask of you to give.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus spoke from the Cross: "It is finished" (John 19:20). After three hours, Jesus' mission of redemptions is accomplished. He abandons Himself into His Father's hands. Two disciples, Joseph and Nicodemus, request the Body of Jesus from Pilate and it is carefully lowered from the Cross into the arms of His Blessed Mother. She looks at the wounds that cover the dead Body of her Son and then looks out, as if to all mankind. "Do you see what my Son has done for you? Do you see how your sins have hurt Him? Can you not look upon Him and promise to hurt Him no more?" (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, You have completed what You were born to do -- You have redeemed the world from the debt of sin. May I strive to remain Your true disciple and a child of God, the Father. Accept my prayer and penance, united to Yours, in atonement for my sins and those of the whole world.
Our Father . . . (Rise)
By the Cross with you to stay
There with you to weep and pray
Is all I ask of you to give.
The Fourteenth Station -- Jesus is laid in the sepulcher.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said to Martha: "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). Jesus' Body is arranged in the tomb by the hands of His own dear Mother. The tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, carved into the hillside, now becomes the tomb of Jesus. The cold, lifeless tomb is sealed with a great rock and all depart in silence. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, we know the secret of the silent tomb, guarded by the soldiers. Along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, we know that no tomb can stop You -- death cannot claim victory over You. On the third day, You will gloriously rise from that place; the devil, sin and death are defeated by a Love that knows no limits, and You will reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Hail Mary . . . (Rise)
Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine.
Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You. (Genuflect)
Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus said to Martha: "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). Jesus' Body is arranged in the tomb by the hands of His own dear Mother. The tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, carved into the hillside, now becomes the tomb of Jesus. The cold, lifeless tomb is sealed with a great rock and all depart in silence. (Kneel)
All: Lord Jesus Christ, we know the secret of the silent tomb, guarded by the soldiers. Along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, we know that no tomb can stop You -- death cannot claim victory over You. On the third day, You will gloriously rise from that place; the devil, sin and death are defeated by a Love that knows no limits, and You will reign for ever and ever. Amen.
Hail Mary . . . (Rise)
Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share your grief divine.
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be for the Holy Father and his intentions to gain the Plenary Indulgence (along with the other conditions)
for oneself or the Souls in Purgatory.
for oneself or the Souls in Purgatory.