The First Station: Jesus is condemned to die.

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
(John 15:13) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Jesus stands in the most human of places. He has already experienced profound solidarity with so many on this earth, by being beaten and tortured. Now he is wrongfully condemned to punishment by death. His commitment to entering our lives completely begins its final steps. He has said “Yes” to God and placed his life in God’s hands. We follow him in this final surrender, and contemplate with reverence each place along the way, as he is broken and given for us. 

Prayer: Let me remember all those condemned unjustly. Give me the wisdom not to ‘go along with the crowd’ 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Our Father…

The Second Station: Jesus carries his cross

If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me (Luke 9:23) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Jesus is made to carry the cross on which he will die. It represents the weight of all our crosses. What he must have felt as he first took it upon his shoulders! With each step he enters more deeply into our human experience. He walks in the path of human misery and suffering, and experiences its crushing weight. 

Prayer: Let me take up my cross daily and ask for God’s grace to help me through each day. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Hail Mary…. 

Third Station: Jesus falls for the first time

He has broken my teeth with gravel, pressed my face in the dust; my soul is deprived of peace. I have forgotten what happiness is. (Lamentations 3:16-17) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

The weight is unbearable. Jesus falls under it. How could he enter our lives completely without surrendering to the crushing weight of the life of so many on this earth! He lays on the ground and knows the experience of  weakness beneath unfair burdens. He feels the powerlessness of wondering if he will ever be able to continue. He is pulled up and made to continue. 

Prayer: Remember the deprived and the lonely. It is easy to fall but divine grace is always at hand. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Glory be…. 

Fourth Station: Jesus meets his mother

Come, all you who pass by the way, look and see whether there is any suffering like My suffering. (Lamentations 1:12) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Jesus’ path takes him to a powerful source of his strength to continue. All his life, his mother had taught him the meaning of the words, “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord”. Now they look into each other’s eyes. How pierced-through her heart must be! How pained he must be to see her tears! Now, her grace-filled smile blesses his mission and stirs his heart to its depth. Love and trust in God bind them together. 

Prayer: Let me dwell on the pain of all parents when their children are suffering and help seems unavailable. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Our Father…. 

Fifth Station: Jesus Simon of Cyrene help Jesus to carry his Cross

Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of Mine, you did for Me. (Matthew 25:40) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Jesus even experiences our struggle to receive help. He is made to experience the poverty of not being able to carry his burden alone. He enters into the experience of all who must depend upon others to survive. He is deprived of the satisfaction of carrying this burden on his own.  

Prayer: I remember the times I have struggled to bear my burdens and those who helped me. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Hail Mary…. 

Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

Without beauty, without majesty we saw him, no looks to attract our eyes; despised and rejected, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. (Isaiah 53:2-4) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Jesus’ journey is at times brutal. He has entered into the terrible experiences of rejection and injustice. He has been whipped and beaten. His face shows the signs of his solidarity with all who have ever suffered injustice and vile, abusive treatment. He encounters a compassionate, loving disciple who wipes the vulgar spit and mocking blood from his face. On her veil, she discovers the image of his face – his gift to her. And, for us to contemplate forever. 

Prayer: Let me break through the bustle of life and offer help where it is needed. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Glory be…. 

Seventh Station: Jesus Falls for the Second Time

Come to Me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Even with help, Jesus stumbles and falls to the ground. In deep exhaustion he stares at the earth beneath him. “Remember, you are dust and to dust you will return”. He has seen death before. Now he can feel the profound weakness of disability and disease and aging itself, there on his knees, under the weight of his cross. 

Prayer: When I feel abandoned by everyone let me remember how Jesus suffered for me. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Our Father…. 

Eighth Station : Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for Him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me; weep for yourselves and for your children” (Luke 23:27-28) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

The women of Jerusalem, and their children, come out to comfort and thank him. They had seen his compassion and welcomed his words of healing and freedom. He had broken all kinds of social and religious conventions to connect with them. Now they are here to support him. He feels their grief. He suffers, knowing he can’t remain to help them more in this life. He knows the mystery of facing the separation of death. 

Prayer: How can I help and encourage those downtrodden by life’s injustices? 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Hail Mary…. 

Ninth Station: Jesus Falls for a Third Time

Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted (Luke 14:11) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

This last fall is devastating. Jesus can barely proceed to the end. Summoning all his remaining strength, supported by his inner trust in God, Jesus collapses under the weight of the cross. His executioners look at him as a broken man, pathetic yet paying a price he deserves. They help him up so he can make it up the hill of crucifixion. 

Prayer: Allow me, in my frequent failings, to know that God’s grace is always available. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Glory be…. 

Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his clothes

When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took His clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them (John 19:21) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Part of the indignity is to be crucified naked. Jesus is completely stripped of any pride. The wounds on his back are torn open again. He experiences the ultimate vulnerability of the defenceless. No shield or security protects him. As they stare at him, his eyes turn to heaven. 

Prayer: Remember those who suffer loss of dignity because of the inhumanity of others. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Our Father…. 

Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Huge nails are hammered through his hands and feet to fix him on the cross. He is bleeding much more seriously now. As the cross is lifted up, the weight of his life hangs on those nails. Every time he struggles to pull himself up to breathe, his ability to cling to life slips away. 

Prayer: Let me remember the pain I cause when I neglect or reject the Christian way of life. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Hail Mary…. 

Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross

He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death, even to death on a cross. Therefore God has exalted Him. (Philippians 2:8-9) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Between two criminals, a mocking title above his head, with only Mary, John and Mary Magdalene to support him, Jesus surrenders his last breath: “Into your hands I commend my spirit”. 

Prayer: Lord give me the peace of Christ at the end of my life. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Glory be…. 

Thirteenth Station: The Body of Jesus is taken down from the cross

In this has the love of God been shown in our case, that God has sent His only-begotten Son into the world as propitiation for sins (I John 4:9-10) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

What tender mourning! Jesus’ lifeless body lays in his mother’s arms. He has truly died. A profound sacrifice, complete. 

Prayer: Remember the tragedy of parents who receive the bodies of their children 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Our Father…. 

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is laid in the tomb 

Unless the grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit (John 12: 24-25) 

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

They take the body of Jesus to its resting place. The huge stone over the tomb is the final sign of the permanence of death. In this final act of surrender, who would have imagined this tomb would soon be empty or that Jesus would show himself alive to his disciples, or that they would recognise him in the breaking of bread? Oh, that our hearts might burn within us, as we realise how he had to suffer and die so as to enter into his glory, for us. 

Prayer: Let the tomb be my source of new life. May I find light in times of darkness. 

I love you Jesus, my love, above all things. I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Our Father…. 

Hail Mary… 

Glory be… 

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.  

First Station: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

(Matthew 26:36-41)

Lord, grant us your strength and wisdom, that we may seek to follow your will in all things.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Second Station: Jesus, Betrayed by Judas, is Arrested

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Then, while Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him.

(Mark 14: 43-46)

Lord, grant us the courage of our convictions that our lives may faithfully communicate the good news you bring.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words

Third Station: Jesus is Condemned by the Sanhedrin

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.” (Luke 22: 66-71)

Lord, grant us your sense of righteousness that we may never cease to work to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Fourth Station: Jesus is Denied by Peter

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us,” but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.” (Luke 22: 66-71)

Lord, grant us your sense of righteousness that we may never cease to work to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Fifth Station: Jesus is Judged by Pilate

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.” Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed…. Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas… and handed Jesus over to be crucified.

(Mark 15: 1-5, 15)

Lord, grant us discernment that we may see as you see, not as the world sees.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Sixth Station: Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. The soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.

(John 19: 1-3)

Lord, grant us patience in times of suffering that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Seventh Station:  Jesus Bears the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” … They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.

(John 19: 6, 15-17)

Lord, grant us strength of purpose that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Eighth Station: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

(Mark 15: 21)

Lord, grant us willing spirits that we may be your instruments on earth.

Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Ninth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time, people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?”

(Luke 23: 27-31)

Lord, grant us gentle spirits that we may comfort those who mourn.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Tenth Station: Jesus is Crucified

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”

(Luke 23: 33-34)

Lord, grant us merciful hearts that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words

Eleventh Station: Jesus Promises His Kingdom to the Good Thief

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

(Luke 23: 39-43)

Lord, grant us perseverance that we may never stop seeking you.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Twelfth Station: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

(John 19: 25-27)

Lord, grant us constancy that we may be willing to stand by those in need.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Thirteenth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.

(Luke 23: 44-46)

Lord, grant us trust in you that when our time on earth in ended our spirits may come to you without delay.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Placed in the Tomb

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.  Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed.

(Matthew 27: 57-60)

Lord, grant us your compassion that we may always provide for those in need.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps and communicate the Gospel with our actions and words.

First Station: Jesus is condemned to death

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

It was early Friday morning when I saw my son. That was the first glimpse I had of him since they took him away. His bruised and bleeding skin sent a sword of pain deep into my heart and tears down my cheeks. Then Pilate, from his chair of judgment, asked the crowd why they wanted my son executed. All around me they shouted, “Crucify him!” I wanted to plead with them to stop, but I knew this had to be. So, I stood by and cried silently.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it is hard for me to imagine the anguish your mother felt at your condemnation. But what about today when I hold a grudge? “Crucify him!” When I judge others…? “Crucify him!” Doesn’t this bring tears of anguish to both you and your mother? Forgive me, Jesus Hail Mary…

Second Station: Jesus carries his Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Regaining a little strength, I walked with the crowds to the entrance of the square. A door flew open and my son stumbled out, the guards laughing behind him. Two men dragged over a heavy wooden cross and dropped it on his shoulders. Then they shoved him down the road. My pain for him was unbearable. I wanted to take the cross from him and carry it myself. But I knew this had to be, so I walked on silently.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I beg you to forgive me for the many times I have added more weight to your cross by closing my eyes to the pain and loneliness of my neighbour. Forgive me for gossiping about others and for always trying to find excuses to avoid certain people who wish to talk with me. Help me to be like Mary, always seeking to lighten the crosses of others. Forgive me, Jesus. Hail Mary…

Third Station: Jesus falls for the first time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

I followed close behind my son as he stumbled toward Calvary. Nothing had ever hurt me more than to see him in such pain. I saw the cross digging into his shoulders. My heart dropped when I saw him fall face to the ground, the heavy cross landing squarely on his back. For a moment I thought my beloved son was dead. Now my whole body began to tremble. Then the guards kicked him. He rose slowly and began to walk again, yet they still whipped him. I

wanted to protect him with my own body. But I knew this had to be, so I walked on and wept silently.

Prayer: Lord, how often have I seen you fall, and, unlike Mary, have left you there without concern? How often have I seen people make mistakes and laughed at them? How often do I find myself getting angry when someone does things differently than I? Mary offered you her support through your entire passion. Help me to do the same for you by the support I give to others. Lord, have mercy on me. Hail Mary…

Fourth Station: Jesus meets his mother

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

I had managed to break through the crowd and was walking side by side with my son. I called to him through the shouting voices. He stopped. Our eyes met, mine full of tears of anguish, his full of pain and confusion. I felt helpless; then his eyes said to me, “Courage! There is a purpose for this.” As he stumbled on, I knew he was right. So I followed and prayed silently.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me the many times our eyes met, and I turned mine away. Forgive me the times things did not go my way and I let everyone know about it. Forgive me the times I brooded over little inconveniences or became discouraged and did not heed your call to courage! Yes, Lord, our eyes have met many times, but fruitlessly. Hail Mary…

Fifth Station: Jesus Simon of Cyrene help Jesus to carry his Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

I could now see almost complete helplessness on the face of my son as he tried to carry his heavy load. Each step looked as if it would be his last. I felt his every pain in my heart, and I wanted the whole thing to end. Then I noticed some commotion near Jesus. The guards had pulled a protesting man from the crowd. They forced him to pick up the back of the cross to help lighten my son’s load. He asked the guards why this had to be. I knew, and so followed silently.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I have many times refused to help you. I have been a selfish person who has often questioned your word. Don’t let me remain like Simon, but help me to be like your mother, Mary, who always silently followed and obeyed. Hail Mary…

Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

As I continued close by Jesus, a woman pushed past the guards, took off her veil and began to wipe my son’s sweating, bloody face. The guards immediately pulled her back. Her face seemed to say, “Why are you doing this to him?” I knew, so I walked on in faith, silently.

Prayer: Lord, this woman gave you the best she could. On the other hand, I have wanted to take more than I give. So many opportunities arise every day for me to give to you by giving to others —– but I pass them by. My Saviour, never let me ask why again, but help me to give all I have to you. Hail Mary…

Seventh Station: Jesus Falls for the Second Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Again, my son fell, and again my grief was overwhelming at the thought that he might die. I started to move toward him, but the soldiers prevented me. He rose and stumbled ahead slowly. Seeing my son fall, get up again, and continue on, was bitter anguish to me. But, since I knew this had to be, I walked on silently.

Prayer: Lord, of all people Mary was your most faithful follower, never stopping in spite of all the pain she felt for you. I have many times turned away from you by my sins and have caused others to turn away from you. I beg you to have mercy on me. Hail Mary…

Eighth Station : Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

I was walking a few steps behind Jesus when I saw him stop. Some women were there crying for him and pitying him. He told them not to shed tears for him. They had the opportunity to accept him as the messiah; like many others, they rejected him instead. He told them to shed tears for themselves, tears that would bring their conversion. They did not see the connection between that and his walk to death. I did, and as he walked on, I followed silently.

Prayer: My Saviour, many times have I acted like these women, always seeing the faults in others, and pitying them. Yet, very rarely have I seen my own sinfulness and asked your pardon. Lord, you have taught me through these women. Forgive me, Lord, for my blindness. Hail Mary…

Ninth Station: Jesus Falls for a Third Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

This fall of Jesus was agony to me. Not only had he fallen on the rocky ground again, but now he was almost at the top of the hill of crucifixion. The soldiers screamed at him and abused him, almost dragging him the last few steps. My heart pounded as I imagined what they would do to him next. But I knew this had to be, so I climbed the hill silently behind him.

Prayer: My loving Jesus, I know that many times I have offered my hand to help people but when it became inconvenient or painful to me, I left them, making excuses for myself. Help me, Lord, to be like your mother, Mary, and never take my supporting hand away from those who need it. Hail Mary…

Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his clothes

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

With my son finally relieved of the weight of the cross, I thought he would have a chance to rest. But the guards immediately started to rip his clothes off his blood-clotted skin. The sight of my son in such pain was unbearable. Yet, since I knew this had to be, I stood by and cried silently.

Prayer: Lord, in my own way I too have stripped you. I have taken away the good name of another by foolish talk and have stripped people of human dignity by my prejudice. Jesus, there are so many ways I have offended you through the hurt I have caused others. Help me to see you in all people. Hail Mary…

Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

As they threw Jesus on the cross, he willingly allowed himself to be nailed. As they punctured his hands and his feet, I felt the pain in my heart. Then they lifted up the cross. There he was, my son, whom I love so much, being scorned as he struggled for the last few moments of earthly life. But I knew this had to be, so I stood by and prayed silently.

Prayer: Lord, what pain you endured for me. And what pain your mother went through, seeing her only son die for love of me! Yet, both you and she are ready to forgive me as soon as I repent of my sin. Help me, Lord, to turn away from my sinfulness. Hail Mary…

Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

What greater pain is there for a mother than to see her son die right before her eyes! I, who had brought this Saviour into the world and watched him grow, stood helplessly beneath his cross as he lowered his head and died. His earthly anguish was finished, but mine was greater than ever. Yet, this had to be and I had to accept it, so I stood by and I mourned silently.

Prayer: My Jesus, have mercy on me for what my sins have done to you and to others. I thank you for your great act of love. You have said that true love is laying down your life for your friends. Let me always be your friend. Teach me to live my life for others, and not fail you again. Hail Mary…

Thirteenth Station: The Body of Jesus is taken down from the cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

The crowd had gone; the noise had stopped. I stood quietly with one of Jesus’ friends and looked up at the dead body of our Saviour, my son. Then two men took the body from the cross and placed it in my arms. A deep sorrow engulfed my being. Yet, I also felt deep joy. Life had ended cruelly for my son, but it had also brought life to all of us. I knew this had to be, and I prayed silently.

Prayer: Lord, your passion has ended. Yet, it still goes on whenever I choose sin over you. I have done my part in your crucifixion and now, my Saviour, I beg your forgiveness with all my heart. Help me to live a life worthy of you and your mother. Hail Mary…

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

We brought Jesus’ body to a tomb and I arranged it there myself, silently weeping, silently rejoicing. I took one more look at my loving son, and then walked out. They closed the tomb and before I left, I thought, I knew this had to be …… it had to be for you! I would wait in faith silently.

Prayer: Yes, my Lord, this had to be because you love me, and for no other reason. All you ask is that I live a good life. You never said such a life would be easy. I am willing to leave sin behind and live for you alone, in my brothers and sisters. My Saviour, thank you! Thank you for such endless love that helps me to rise out of my own sinfulness. I will try again to live a better life. Help me to always remember that love. Mary, mother of our risen Saviour, teach me to be like you, and in my love for others, love him in return.

First Station: Jesus is condemned to death

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Pilate asked what crime Jesus had committed. It was a good question.  Jesus has annoyed the religious leaders, of that there was no doubt. He had been critical of the social and religious structures,  He had healed the villagers; He had told stories to the crowds; He was probably a threat to law and order But was this enough to condemn him, to end his life? But he would not defend himself-The storyteller was silent now. And the crowd was noisy  And Pilate handed him over to be crucified.  

Prayer: Let us pray for all who administer justice, all who face trial this day, all those incarcerated and those falsely imprisoned.  

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Second Station: Jesus receives his cross

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’. Then they led him out to crucify him.  Soldiers. Taking the chance for a bit of fun. They had a heavy day ahead.  Soon they would have to put on their public face. Disciplined, controlled, efficient.  But for now a bit of a lark with the lads With no risk of recrimination. Dead men tell no stories,  And Jesus was going to his death.  

Prayer: We pray that we might give our lives to the service of God, accepting the trials and difficulties of the pilgrimage of this earthly life.  

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Third Station: Jesus falls for the first time

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Jesus was exhausted. He was in pain. He was going to his death. The cross was heavy and he fell.  He was flesh and blood like us, He was struggling.  

Prayer: We pray for all who feel weighed down by anxiety, stress, or concern for those whom they love.  

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Fourth Station: Jesus meets his mother

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

She was going to be there at his end. She who had been there with Him at his beginning.  She was his mother. She had fed him and cradled him And watched over his growing.  Whatever he had said and done, He was still her son And she would not desert him now. Whatever pain of his she could embrace she would. And in the meeting of their eyes, there was love, Suffering and shining.  

Prayer: We pray for all parents, those who look after loved ones who are sick and suffering and children who suffer at the hands of others.  

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.  Simon of Cyrene, What a tale you have to tell! You helped Jesus,  You gave him your strength on the streets of Jerusalem. Willing or unwilling, You Simon, have become part of his story, And he part of yours, For you helped him, When he needed you. What would we give to be Simon?  

Prayer: We pray for all who have helped us on our journey of faith. For all who are struggling with their faith at this time and all who have .fallen away from the Church.  

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.  Simon of Cyrene, What a tale you have to tell! You helped Jesus,  You gave him your strength on the streets of Jerusalem. Willing or unwilling, You Simon, have become part of his story, And he part of yours, For you helped him, When he needed you. What would we give to be Simon?  

Prayer: We pray for all who have helped us on our journey of faith. For all who are struggling with their faith at this time and all who have .fallen away from the Church.  

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Seventh Station: Jesus falls a second time

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. I am finding it hard to watch you, Jesus, To see you struggling, To see you on the ground. Into your silence I want to shout: ‘Why do we keep on hurting you? What have you done wrong?’  

Prayer: We pray for those caught up in warfare, for victims of terrorism, and those who live in poverty because of the greed and injustice of others 

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. Weep for the mothers and children of Jerusalem, and of all war-torn areas of the world. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray that all people may live together in justice and in peace.  

Prayer: We pray for those who eagerly await the coming of the Kingdom and who try to witness to it as a present reality in their work for justice and peace 

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Ninth Station: Jesus falls a third time

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

I am not sure if I can watch you much longer. In his pain I see my pain, In his falling I feel myself falling,
In his cross…in his cross I am included. He carried it for me-     For me, and my enemies, and my friends.  

Prayer:  We pray for those whom I love, those whom I struggle to like and those who find me difficult; for the grace to truly accept difference.  

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his garments

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

When they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha .And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.  Stripped now – Of clothing.  Of disciples.  Of friends. Alone. Naked and vulnerable. With nothing to protect you from the pain to come.  

Prayer: We pray for the downtrodden and the rejected. For the refugee, the victim of prejudice, the victims of warfare and all who are deprived of their rights of freedom 

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, “The King of the Jews”, but, “This man said, I am King of the Jews.” ’ Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’ We look on from a distance: A distance of time and space and culture, And yet even for us it hurts to watch Jesus dying. It hurts to know that we are rescued. It hurts to know that we are cherished and loved.  

Prayer: We pray for all who contemplate ending their own lives. Those who work in hospices and face death daily, for those who fear death in warfare and for those who can find no joy in being alive.  

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last.  

Prayer: We pray Lord that when the problems of life seem to overwhelm us, remind us that tomorrow will bring a new day, full of new possibilities 

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Thirteenth Station: Jesus is taken down from the cross

We adore you O Christ and we bless you  Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Pieta
 

Jesus is dead and lies in the arms of his mother. Death is hard and final And yet, whatever happens on this earth,  Children never die to their mothers. In the memory of those who loved them, loved ones remain. And for us, and for all God’s people, Our hope is safe in God. From the swaddling bands to grave clothes, All the days of our living and dying, We are cradled and wrapped in love.  

Prayer: We pray for all families and especially those which have experienced the death of a child. We pray for all who mourn with no hope in the resurrection. 

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

We adore you O Christ and we bless you Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Joseph of Arimathea then laid the body in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus saw where the body was laid.  

Prayer: We pray Lord that as your mortal life ends, our life in you, and your work through us begins. Let us be the signs and instruments of your Life and Kingdom, and let your love shine through us to all. 

I Love you Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart of having offended you. Never permit me to separate myself from you again. Grant that I may love you always and then do with me what you will. 

First Station: Jesus is condemned to death

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Do we also wash our hands of our brothers and sisters or seek to act in solidarity to tackle the causes of hunger? 

Prayer: Jesus, you know what it means to stand alone in front of those who reject you and don’t understand you.  

Walk with us.  

When we feel that we can’t make a difference, help us to keep going. Teach us to share your love. 

I love You, Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart for having offended You. Never permit me to separate myself from You again. Grant that I may love You always and then do with me what You will 

Second Station: Jesus carries his Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

We all have burdens to carry. We also place burdens on others. In what ways do I place unnecessary loads on other people?   

Prayer: Jesus, your love led you to take up the cross.  

Walk with us. 

When we feel afraid, help us to be brave. Give us the courage to speak out to change our world, so that all our sisters and brothers can experience justice. 

Third Station: Jesus falls for the first time

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

The choices we make and the words we use can have a real impact on other people both near and far. In what way do my words cause others to stumble?  

Prayer: Jesus, you know how it feels to struggle and to fall.  

Walk with us. 

Show us how to walk with others to know what it feels like to be in another’s shoes. 

You reach out to us with caring hands. Show us how to join our hands with communities around the world who are bringing hope to their people.  

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name … 

Fourth Station: Jesus meets his mother

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Let us look to the example of Mary and not turn our faces away from those who are suffering 

Prayer: Jesus, you looked through the crowd and saw your mother’s eyes. Her love gave you the strength to carry on.  

Walk with us. 

When we don’t want to listen, open our ears to hear. 

When it would be easier to look away, open our eyes to see. 

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you… 

Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene carries the Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Do we also look for opportunities to help others, or do we try to keep out of the way, telling ourselves that it is not our responsibility? 

Prayer: Jesus, you know what it means to depend on someone and to need their help.  

Walk with us.  

When my friends need help, teach me to work with them to lighten their load. Show me how to listen carefully so that I can offer what they need. We are your global family of many different colours, cultures and religions.  Make us one family united in you. 

Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Do we also look for opportunities to do small acts of generosity and love? Are we attentive to the face of Christ in our brothers and sisters? 

Prayer: Jesus, you know how it feels to be hurt and to cry out in pain and fear.  

Walk with us. 

Show us how to walk together with others. Show us how to love the people around us and to be there for those who need us. 

Glory be to the Father … 

Seventh Station: Jesus Falls for the Second Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

How in our daily lives can we live in solidarity with those who feel despondent or invisible? 

Prayer: Jesus, you stumbled and fell. You lost strength and became tired. And yet you carried on. 

Walk with us.  

When we find it hard to keep going, give us the strength we need to finish our work as well as we can and show love to others. 

Eighth Station : Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

What causes us to weep? Which situations in the world make us cry out to God? 

Prayer: Jesus, you cared and spoke out, even on the road to your death. 

You knew and felt the struggles of others.  

Walk with us. 

As we hear the stories of our sisters and brothers who live in poverty, give us the courage to raise our voices, so that together we can work for change. 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name … 

Ninth Station: Jesus Falls for a Third Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Love gave Jesus the strength to stand again and continue onwards. We pray for ourselves, and for all those who need strength and courage, that in the face of so many struggles, Christ’s love will urge us on. 

Prayer: Jesus, you felt the darkness around you, the crowds surrounded you. You fell once more. 

Walk with us.  

When we lose hope, when everything is just too difficult, show us how to reach out to each other and hold hands, so that none of us have to do everything on our own. 

Help us to know that you walk alongside us even when we feel most alone. 

Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of his garments

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Do we recognise the dignity of all human life? What am I being called to do for those who are excluded and on the margins, those who have been stripped of even basic respect from those around them? 

Prayer: Jesus, you sacrificed everything and endured mockery for our sake. Walk with us. 

When we value possessions more than people, or look down on someone who is different or has less, show us your face in theirs. 

I love You, Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart for having offended You. Never permit me to separate myself from You again. Grant that I may love You always and then do with me what You will 

Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Prayer: Jesus, you cry out in pain.   

Walk with us. 

Challenge us –when we hold people back, when we don’t treat them with respect.Help us to remember that everyone is equal, that we are all made in the image of God.  

I love You, Jesus, my love above all things, I repent with my whole heart for having offended You. Never permit me to separate myself from You again. Grant that I may love You always and then do with me what You will 

Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Prayer: Jesus, you know what it’s like to feel alone, lost and afraid, betrayed and abandoned. 

Walk with us and show us how to walk with others, who live in fear and face death through hunger, thirst and conflict.  

Show us how to pray for sisters and brothers that we have never met, but who are always loved by you. 

Thirteenth Station: Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Prayer: Jesus, you knew what it meant to have friends, who risked their own lives to take your body from the cross. 

Walk with us. 

Show us how to be friends to those close to us and to those far away. Teach us to see you in everybody, to be kind, loving and strong. To be like you. 

Fourteenth Station: Jesus’ body is laid in the tomb

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

Prayer: Jesus, as you were sealed in the tomb those who loved you felt sad and alone. 

They did not know what to do.  

Walk with us. 

Guide us in difficult times, so that we can share you with our sisters and brothers when they feel sad and alone.  

Hail Mary full of grace …  

Fifteenth Station: Jesus rises from the dead

Prayer: Jesus, you share your life, your light and your peace with us all. 

Walk with us. 

Show us how to live out your love so that our sisters and brothers, here and around the world, may know the joy of new life. May we all be changed by living in your light and may peace be brought to our world. 

Glory be to the Father…