The Way of the Cross

The Way of The Cross (From the Passionist Fathers)

Prayer

Crucified Jesus, behold me at Your feet. I ask Your pardon for having wandered so often into the bypaths of sin. In making this Way of the Cross give me courage to follow faithfully in Your blood-stained path.

I STATION: Jesus Is Condemned To Death

Our innocent Saviour accepts the unjust sentence of death on the Cross to atone for my sins.
Petition: Divine Jesus, help me to accept the injustices of life in reparation for my many sins.
Our Father...

II STATION: Jesus Carries His Cross

The Burden of the Cross demanded heroic sacrifice from our Blessed Lord, yet, willingly He accepts it for love of us.
Petition: O Lord, give me the courage to take up my Cross daily and to carry it patiently along life's way.
Our Father...

III STATION: Jesus Falls The First Time

The heavy Cross and the weight of man's sinfulness overwhelm the Divine Victim and He falls into the dust of the street.
Petition: My Jesus, when the sorrows of life overwhelm me, help me to rise above human weakness.
Our Father...

IV STATION: Jesus Meets His Mother

The heart of Mary was pierced with sorrow, when she saw her innocent Son carrying the Cross made so heavy by my sins.
Petition: Suffering Lord, impress on me how much I need the consolation and help of Your sorrowful Mother.
Our Father...

V STATION: Simon Of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry The Cross

Our Blessed Lord was so weak and tired that he permitted Simon to help Him carry the Cross.
Petition: Without Your help, O Jesus, I can never carry my cross in life alone.
Our Father...

VI STATION: Veronica Wipes The Face Of Jesus

The image of the Saviour was imprinted on the veil which the compassionate Veronica pressed to the face of Jesus.
Petition: Suffering Master, may I often think of You, that the loving memory of Your sufferings be imprinted on my heart.
Our Father...

VII STATION: The Second Fall of Jesus

Because of agonizing pain and weakness, Jesus falls once more, but rising again, carries the Cross onward.
Petition: O Lord, by this fall strengthen me against discouragement, and help me never to stop loving and serving You.
Our Father...

VIII STATION: Jesus Consoles The Women Of Jerusalem

Jesus forgets His own sorrow and pain to console the weeping women of Jerusalem.
Petition: Blessed Saviour, in sorrows and afflictions assist me to forget myself and to help others.
Our Father...

IX STATION: The Third Fall Of Jesus

On the slopes of Calvary Jesus falls the third time, yet He struggles to His feet, determined to reach the place of sacrifice.
Petition: O Divine Master, give me courage to persevere in leading a good life and reaching heaven.
Our Father...

X STATION: Jesus Is Stripped Of His Garments

The blood-soaked garments are torn from the scourged body of Jesus, so He might die stripped of every comfort in life.
Petition: Agonizing Jesus, strip me of all intemperance in the use of life's comfort and pleasures.
Our Father...

XI STATION: Jesus Is Nailed To The Cross

How frightful the agony of Jesus as the soldiers hammer rough nails through His hands and feet.
Petition: Crucified Saviour, You forgave Your enemies, teach me to also forgive injuries and to forget them.
Our Father...

XII STATION: Jesus Dies On The Cross

The Divine Victim, obedient unto death, gives the supreme proof of His love for men.
Petition: My Jesus, help me to make my return of love by life-long obedience to Your commandments.
Our Father...

XIII STATION: Jesus Is Taken Down From The Cross

What grief and tragedy as Mary holds to her broken heart, the lifeless body of Her Son.
Petition: O Mother of Sorrows, keep close to me during life and especially at the hour of my death.
Our Father...

XIV STATION: Jesus Is Laid In The Sepulcher

The Body of Jesus was reverently laid in the tomb by His loving Mother and devoted disciples.
Petition: Dear Mother Mary, help me to make my heart a fit resting place for the Body of Jesus, when I receive Him in Holy Communion.