Stations of the Cross
14 stations of the Passion of Christ. Traditionally prayed on Fridays of Lent.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord Jesus, we wish to accompany you on the way of the cross. At each step, let us remember that your suffering was for us, and that you are our model of love to the end.
Jesus is condemned to death
Mt 27:11–26
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Pilate, knowing Jesus is innocent, hands him over to the will of the crowd. How often we condemn our brother to spare ourselves.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus takes up his cross
Jn 19:17
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Jesus accepts the weight of our salvation. "Whoever wishes to come after me, let him take up his cross daily."
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus falls the first time
Is 53:4–6
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The Lord falls for love of us. When we fall through sin, he rises with us.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus meets his Mother
Lk 2:35
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The eyes of the Mother meet the eyes of the Son. The sword of sorrow Simeon foretold pierces Mary's heart.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross
Lk 23:26
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Forced at first, then loving. May we be willing Cyreneans for the brothers and sisters who suffer.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
Tradition
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
A small gesture, remembered for ever. Small acts of compassion imprint upon us the face of Christ.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus falls the second time
Is 53:7
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
He does not give up. He falls and rises. He teaches us to begin again as many times as needed.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
Lk 23:27–31
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
"Weep not for me, but for yourselves and for your children." True compassion changes the way we live.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus falls the third time
Heb 12:1–3
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Exhausted, he still goes on. Final perseverance is a gift of grace.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus is stripped of his garments
Mt 27:35
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Jesus, stripped of everything, offers us his dignity. He teaches us interior poverty.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus is nailed to the cross
Lk 23:33
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
"Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Forgiveness comes before the asking.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus dies on the cross
Lk 23:44–46
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Love brought to its fullness opens heaven to us.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus is taken down and laid in his Mother's arms
Jn 19:38–40
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Mary receives her Son in her arms. Her sorrow is the silence that already sings faith in the Resurrection.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Jesus is laid in the tomb
Mt 27:59–60
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The Lord of Life is placed in a tomb. Let us await the third day in faith.
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
15th Station — The Resurrection (optional)
Mk 16:1–8
"He is not here; he is risen!" The cross has the last word only until the morning of the third day.
Closing prayer
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Crucified Lord Jesus, by your holy Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen.