The First Station: Pilate Condemns Jesus to Die

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You;   

because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world 

Consider how Jesus Christ, after being scourged and crowned with thorns, was unjustly condemned by Pilate to die on the cross.  

Prayer: My adorable Jesus, it was not Pilate; no, it was my sins that condemned You to die. I beseech You, by the merits of this sorrowful journey, to assist my soul on its journey to eternity. I love You, beloved Jesus; I love You more than I love myself. With all my heart I repent of ever having offended You. Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will.   

The Second Station: Jesus Accepts his Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You;   

because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world

Consider Jesus as He walked this road with the cross on His shoulders, thinking of us, and offering to His Father in our behalf, the death He was about to suffer.  

Prayer: My most beloved Jesus, I embrace all the sufferings You have destined for me until death. I beg You, by all You suffered in carrying Your cross, to help me carry mine with Your perfect peace and resignation. I love You, Jesus, my love; I repent of ever having offended You. Never let me separate myself from You again. Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will.   

Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You;   

because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world 

Consider the first fall of Jesus. Loss of blood from the scourging and crowing with thorns had so weakened Him that He could hardly walk; and yet He had to carry that great load upon His shoulders. As the soldiers struck Him cruelly, He fell several times under the heavy cross.  

Prayer: My beloved Jesus, it was not the weight of the cross but the weight of my sins which made You suffer so much. By the merits of this first fall, save me from falling into mortal sin.  I love You, O my Jesus, with all my heart; I am sorry that I have offended You. May I never offend You again. Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will.  

Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You;   

because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world 

Consider how the Son met his Mother on His way to Calvary. Jesus and Mary gazed at each other and their looks became as so many arrows to wound those hearts which loved each other so tenderly.  

Prayer: My most loving Jesus, by the pain You suffered in this meeting grant me the grace of being truly devoted to Your most holy Mother. And You, my Queen, who was overwhelmed with sorrow, obtain for me by Your prayers a tender and a lasting remembrance of the passion of Your divine Son. I love You, Jesus, my Love, above all things. I repent of ever having offended You. Never allow me to offend You again.  Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will. 

Fifth Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry the Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You;   

because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world 

Consider how weak and weary Jesus was. At each step He was at the point of expiring. Fearing that He would die on the way when they wished Him to die the infamous death of the cross, they forced Simon of Cyrene to help carry the cross after Our Lord.  

Prayer: My beloved Jesus I will not refuse the cross as Simon did: I accept it and embrace it.  I accept in particular the death that is destined for me with all the pains that may accompany it.  I unite it to Your death and I offer it to You.  You have died for love of me; I will die for love of You and to please You.  Help me by Your grace.  I love You, Jesus, my Love; I repent of ever having offended You.  Never let me offend You again.   Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will.  

Sixth Station: Veronica Offers Her Veil to Jesus

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You;   

because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world 

Consider the compassion of the holy woman, Veronica. Seeing Jesus in such distress, His face bathed in sweat and blood, she presented Him with her veil. Jesus wiped His face, and left upon the cloth the image of his sacred countenance.  

Prayer: My beloved Jesus, Your face was beautiful before You began this journey; but, now, it no longer appears beautiful and is disfigured with wounds and blood.  Alas, my soul also was once beautiful when it received Your grace in Baptism; but I have since disfigured it with my sins.   You alone, my Redeemer, can restore it to its former beauty.  Do this by the merits of Your passion; and then do with me as You will. 

Seventh Station: Jesus Falls the Second Time

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You;   

because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world 

Consider how the second fall of Jesus under His cross renews the pain in all the wounds of the head and members of our afflicted Lord.  

Prayer: My most gentle Jesus, how many times You have forgiven me; and how many times I have fallen again and begun again to offend You! By the merits of this second fall, give me the grace to persevere in Your love until death.  Grant, that in all my temptations, I may always have recourse to You.  I love You, Jesus, my Love with all my heart; I am sorry that I have offended You.  Never let me offend You again.  Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will. 

Eighth Station : Jesus Speak to the Women

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You;   

because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world 

Consider how the women wept with compassion seeing Jesus so distressed and dripping with blood as he walked along. Jesus said to them, “Weep not so much for me, but rather for Your children.”  

Prayer: My Jesus, laden with sorrows, I weep for the sins which I have committed against You because of the punishment I deserve for them; and, still more, because of the displeasure they have caused You who have loved me with an infinite love.  It is Your love, more than the fear of hell, which makes me weep for my sins.  My Jesus, I love You more than myself; I am sorry that I have offended You.  Never allow me to offend You again. Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will. 

Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You;   

because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world 

Consider how Jesus Christ fell for the third time. He was extremely weak and the cruelty of His executioners was excessive; they tried to hasten His steps though He hardly had strength to move.  

Prayer: My outraged Jesus, by the weakness You suffered in going to Calvary, give me enough strength to overcome all human respect and all my evil passions which have led me to despise Your friendship.  I love You, Jesus my Love, with all my heart; I am sorry for ever having offended You.  Never permit me to offend You again.  Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will.   

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 

Consider how Jesus was violently stripped of His clothes by His executioners. The inner garments adhered to his lacerated flesh and the soldiers tore them off so roughly that the skin came with them. Have pity for your Saviour so cruelly treated and tell Him:  

Prayer: My innocent Jesus, by the torment You suffered in being stripped of Your garments, help me to strip myself of all attachment for the things of earth that I may place all my love in You who are so worthy of my love.  I love You, O Jesus, with all my heart; I am sorry for ever having offended You.  Never let me offend You again.  Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as 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 

Consider Jesus, thrown down upon the cross, He stretched out His arms and offered to His eternal Father the sacrifice of His life for our salvation. They nailed His hands and feet, and then, raising the cross, left Him to die in anguish.  

Prayer: My despised Jesus, nail my heart to the cross that it may always remain there to love You and never leave You again.  I love You more than myself; I am sorry for ever having offended You.  Never permit me to offend You again.  Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will.   

Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies Upon the Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You;   

because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world 

Consider how Your Jesus, after three hours of agony on the cross, is finally overwhelmed with suffering and, abandoning Himself to the weight of His body, bows His head and dies.  

Prayer: My dying Jesus, I devoutly kiss the cross on which You would die for love of me.  I deserve, because of my sins, to die a terrible death; but Your death is my hope.  By the merits of Your death, give me the grace to die embracing Your feet and burning with love of You.  I yield my soul into Your hands.  I love You with my whole heart.  I am sorry that I have offended You.  Never let me offend You again. Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will.   

Thirteenth Station: Jesus 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 

Consider how, after Our Lord had died, He was taken down from the cross by two of His disciples, Joseph and Nicodemus, and placed in the arms of His afflicted 

Mother. She received Him with unutterable tenderness and pressed Him close to her bosom.  

Prayer: O Mother of Sorrows, for the love of Your Son, accept me as Your servant and pray to Him for me, And You, my Redeemer, since you have died for me, allow me to love You, for I desire only You and nothing more.  I love You, Jesus my Love, and I am sorry that I have offended You.  Never let me offend You again.  Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will.   

The 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 

Consider how the disciples carried the body of Jesus to its burial, while His holy Mother went with them and arranged it in the sepulcher with her own hands. They then closed the tomb and all departed.  

Prayer: Oh, my buried Jesus, I kiss the stone that closes You in.  But You gloriously did rise again on the third day.  I beg You by Your resurrection that I may be raised gloriously on the last day, to be united with You in heaven, to praise You and love You forever.   I love You, Jesus, and I repent of ever having offended You.  Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will. 

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be… 

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

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. 

Jesus, though He was innocent, was falsely accused and unjustly judged. Yet, He trusted in His heavenly Father to rescue Him from the designs of the wicked. Let us imitate Jesus’ faith in God. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, when we are misunderstood, misjudged or  falsely accused  give us the strength to bear the injustice with patience as our way of following You, on the way to the cross.  

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.        

Our Father –  Hail Mary –  Glory Be …  

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. 

Just as Jesus embraced the cross out of love for us so must  we put up with the trials and contradictions we meet in following Him. Thus our individual crosses can become a means of salvation for us. 

Prayer: When we are faced with an agonising problem, like a sick child or parent, or the loss of a job, we question, “Why me, God?” or “Why us?”. Help us like Jesus to accept our cross with love and bear our trials with a prayer. 

Our Father… 

Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you;  because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Jesus, our Lord, fell beneath the weight of His heavy cross. He knows we need His help when we stumble and fall in following Him. When we turn to Him in our distress, He will not fail to come to our aid. 

Prayer: Jesus, you took our human nature so you know what it means to fall when one is weak. There are times when we fall when we ignore the needs of others in our community.. Help us Jesus to always be present for the distressed, lonely and housebound in the parish and wider community. 

Hail Mary 

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.

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: Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus to carry his cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you;  because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Jesus’ yoke became slightly easier, and His burden lighter as Simon  helped him with his cross. Though we naturally resist pain and hardship, we will find that when we take up our cross God will help us to carry it and our worries will become less painful. 

Prayer:  Jesus, we pray that, just like Simon, we can help others  by sharing the burden of their crosses. Just being with those who are lonely or distressed and giving them our time will ease the weight of their cross. 

Our Father… 

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.

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 Falls a Second Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you;  because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Our Lord fell again under the weight of His cross. When we weaken, falter and fall 0ur Saviour knows how hard our way is. He will strengthen us in our sorrow and come to our aid. He will be our strength. 

Dear Lord we pray for all who suffer the they fall due to addictions –  alcohol, gambling hoarding and drugs. They have separated family members from each other and caused heartache, despair and loneliness to their loved ones. Lord we pray that with your blessings they can build their family relationships again.  

Glory Be … 

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. 

The heart of Jesus was full of pity for the sufferings His people were destined to undergo. So, too, does he have immense pity for us, those for whom He suffered and died.  Ask Him now to help you. 

Dear Jesus our hearts break when we see families in tears as they are driven from their homes due to lack of money, war and indifference. When this happens Jesus, help us to remember that we are all one family in You, and we must do all we can to support those in desolation and despair. 

Our Father … 

Ninth Station: Jesus Falls a Third Time

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you; because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

How frail at this stage is Christ in His human nature! Yet, He endured despite His weakness and failing strength. So must we carry on to do God’s work in spite of our infirmity and failings. 

Prayer:  Dear Lord, sometimes we feel so wretched and so weak with our burdens, that we just don’t have the strength or spirit to get up again. Give us the wisdom to know that it is in our utmost weakness, that we experience Your immense love and mercy for us.  

Hail Mary  … 

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. 

Just as Christ’s clothing was taken away, so one day will we be separated from all our  possessions. Nothing we own belongs to us permanently, so we must each be generous with the gifts and talents God gives us. 

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, we pray for all those who are sick, elderly or  vulnerable. They often feel stripped of their dignity and a burden to their families. Lord help us to be the arms to hold them, the ears to hear them and the tongue  to speak for them at all times. 

Glory Be.. 

Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed to His Cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you; because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

The soldiers nailed Christ to the cross and he knew the pain and anguish of being unable to move hand or foot. When it comes to our turn to die, let us meet death as Jesus did, trusting in God for deliverance.  

Prayer:  Dear Lord, while we follow you on your way of the cross  we know that someday you will deliver us from the sufferings of this world. When that time comes close, please help us to remember that ‘death’ is only the entrance to our new life with you.  

Our Father … 

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. 

In his distress Jesus cried out “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Then he surrendered to the will of God, bowed his head and died. 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, we pray for all those in deep distress –  for families who have lost a loved one, for those with mental health problems, for those in prison, for the homeless .. Lord, when we cry in anguish  “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”  help us to remember your agony on the cross.  

Hail Mary … 

Thirteenth Station: Jesus 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. 

Christ’s death is the final proof of His humanity. Unless He was human, he could not have died. Unless He was also God, His death would profit us nothing. “Ours were the sufferings He bore.” 

Prayer:  You gave yourself totally to us Jesus, and now your lifeless body lies in the hands of your sorrowful mother. As her heart agonised in sorrow, and as she held her son’s dead body, we wonder what went on in her mind? As we look at her sorrowful eyes, Mary might say to us: “Here is my son who died for you”. Mary our Mother, lead us with your gentle hand towards Jesus.  

Glory Be -… 

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you;  because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Christ’s lifeless body is laid to rest. The King of the universe is laid in a borrowed tomb. 

Prayer:  Even at that most sorrowful time – a mother’s anguish was satisfied. Help us Lord to remain humble, even through the most sorrowful experiences. It is during the saddest times in our life – that we experience the love and care of family, friends and even strangers like Joseph of Arimathea.  

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 

Father –  Hail Mary –  Glory Be … 

First Station: Jesus is condemned

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 take up 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 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: Simon of Cyrene helps carry the 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 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 the third time

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 garments

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: 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 praise you; because by your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

‘So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”’ (Matthew 27)

Jesus was an innocent person condemned to death. He was abandoned and faced his death sentence alone. Our common home earth is also being condemned to death. Because of our patterns of overconsumption, global temperatures are rising, and plant and animal species are dying off. Whole populations of humanity feel abandoned and left to face the perils of climate change, even death, on their own.

Laudato Si’: ‘This sister [earth] now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her … This is why  the Earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is the most abandoned and mistreated among the poor.’

Prayer: Heavenly Creator, open our eyes to our complicity in loss of life. Once acknowledging our failures to care for creation, renew our spirits to live mindfully and to work diligently for a better world.

Second Station: Jesus receives his cross

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

‘And carrying the cross by himself, Jesus went out to what is called The Place of the Skull.’ (John 19:17)

Jesus was forced to carry his cross, the very instrument of his death, to his crucifixion. There are particular populations of humanity who, like Jesus, are innocent and must carry the burdens of others’ sins.

Laudato Si’: ‘The warming caused by huge consumption on the part of some rich countries has repercussions on the poorest areas of the world, where a rise in temperature, together with drought, has proved devastating for farming.’

Prayer: Jesus, may we make real sacrifices to lessen our carbon footprint so that others can live. Bring to mind those who suffer the most from climate change so that our resolve is strengthened and we find joy and purpose in what we give up.

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.

‘Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases.’ (Isaiah 53:4)

Jesus falls three times in the Way of the Cross. With each successive fall, he is weaker and struggles more to get back on his feet. People who suffer most from climate change disasters are those who are poor already and have little recourse to defend themselves or to get back on their feet. Often their home is the first to fall. Humble housing can’t withstand the powerful earthquakes, winds and waters.

Laudato Si’: ‘The pace of consumption, waste and environmental change has so stretched the planet’s capacity that our contemporary lifestyle, unsustainable as it is, can only precipitate catastrophes, such as those which even now periodically occur in different areas of the world.’

Prayer: Gracious Spirit, when we fall into the temptation of overconsumption, remind us of those who suffer for it. When we learn of a catastrophe, help us contemplate the loss of people’s homes and so be moved to lessen our consumption and to share our resources.

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.

‘A sword will pierce your own soul too.’ (Luke 2:35)

What utter pain Mary must have felt for her son. She had no recourse to soothe, heal and save her child. Mothers around the world grieve in helplessness as they see their children suffer and die. Over 3 million children die every year from malnourishment, while others die due to sudden disasters, to long and perilous journeys, and disease.

Laudato Si’: ‘Mary, the Mother who cared for Jesus, now cares with maternal affection and pain for this wounded world. Just as her pierced heart mourned the death of Jesus, so now she grieves for the sufferings of the crucified poor and for the creatures of this world laid waste by human power.’

Prayer: Help us to ‘turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering’.  ‘May the sweetness of [Mary’s] countenance watch over us in this Holy Year, so that all of us may rediscover the joy of God’s tenderness.’                                                          (Misericordiae Vultus)

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

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

‘As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross.’ (Matthew 27:32)

Simon had come into the city on the day of Jesus’ death. He found himself in the crowds along Jesus’ pathway to Golgotha, and was picked out by the soldiers to carry Jesus’ cross. Who carries the cross in times of climate crisis? The poor are always the first responders in times of disaster. While help from wealthy countries can take days and weeks, it is immediate neighbours who rush in to save, shelter and support as much as possible.

Misericordiae Vultus: ‘Let us open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognize that we are compelled to heed their cry for help! May we reach out to them and support them so they can feel the warmth of our presence, our friendship, and our fraternity! May their cry become our own, and together may we break down the barriers of indifference that too often reign supreme and mask our hypocrisy and egoism!’

Prayer: In humility we give thanks to you, Oh God, for the generous poor in the world. Like them and like Simon, may we shoulder the cross that Christ carries in the world today.

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.

‘Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him.’ (Matthew 27:55)

Veronica’s compassion for Jesus overcame any fear that she might have had in stepping out from the anonymity of the crowds to wipe Jesus’ face in front of the soldiers. She didn’t count the possible cost, but stepped forward and responded in love. Lebanon has taken in over 1.4 million refugees. What compassion and generosity!

Misericordiae Vultus: ‘Let us rediscover these corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. And let us not forget the spiritual works of mercy: to counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offences, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead.’

Prayer: Holy Spirit, like Veronica, help us to forget ourselves and to step forward in a merciful and loving response to the pain that we see around us. Wipe away our fear to act, so that the suffering face of Christ that is present today can find consolation in our touch.

Seventh Station: Jesus falls a second time

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

‘But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities.’ (Isaiah 53:5)

A second fall and Jesus’ struggle to rise up again is that much harder. Climate disasters not only destroy homes, but also sources of livelihood. Fishermen lose their boats; farmers lose their crops, small enterprises are washed away. How to rise up again? Extreme weather and the rising sea leaves are devastating coastal communities. The floods come quickly and cause devastation of homes and land. Salt is left on the land so crops cannot be grown for families to eat.

Laudato Si’: ‘We were created with a vocation to work … Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfilment. Helping the poor financially must always be a provisional solution in the face of pressing needs. The broader objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through work.’

Prayer: Enkindle within us a sense of shared responsibility in times of climate disaster. Move us, dear Jesus, to share the wealth from our employment so that others can regain their livelihoods, their ‘path to growth, human development and personal fulfilment’.

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.

‘But Jesus turned to them and said: Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children.’ (Luke 23:28)

There is mutual empathy in this encounter between the women of Jerusalem and Jesus. There is shared pain. Women and children are disproportionately affected by climate change. While women themselves suffer, they share the pain of their children’s suffering as well. It is future generations who will bear the brunt of climate change, especially those from the most vulnerable countries.

Laudato Si’: ‘Our goal is … to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it.’

Prayer: Creator God, deepen our sense of suffering within our global family and move us into action. Help us ‘to discover what each of us can do about it’. May we step out of our relatively comfortable lifestyle and have the courage to change our way of living to one of simplicity and contemplation.

Ninth Station: Jesus falls a third time

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

‘Upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.’ (Isaiah 53:5)

How can Jesus recover from a third fall? How can farmers suffering a prolonged drought rise up year after year and carry on?

Laudato Si’: ‘Many of the poor live in areas  particularly affected by phenomena related to warming, and their means of subsistence are largely dependent on natural reserves and ecosystemic services such as agriculture, fishing and forestry … There has been a tragic rise in the number of migrants seeking to flee from the growing poverty caused by environmental degradation.

Prayer: Loving God, ‘renew the face of the earth’. May this ecological crisis be a ‘summons to profound interior conversion’ so that we live ‘our vocation to be protectors of [your] handiwork’.

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.

‘They divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.’ (Psalms 22:18)

Jesus suffered the added indignity of being stripped of his garments before the world. The ongoing war in Syria – a war whose root causes are tied to prolonged drought – has created over 3 million refugees. After losing home, livelihood and land, they are forced to pick up and leave everything. They sometimes suffer the added indignity of being met with hostility and mistrust when they try to find a new country of refuge.

Laudato Si’: ‘Sadly, there is widespread indifference to such suffering, which is even now taking place throughout our world. Our lack of response to these tragedies involving our brothers and sisters points to the loss of that sense of responsibility for our fellow men and women upon which all civil society is founded.’

Prayer: Divine Mercy, may those who have lost everything find shelter in our welcome. May our own life’s pilgrimage intertwine with those whose journey has taken them far from their homes and familiar customs.

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.

‘When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus.’ (Luke 23:33)

So utterly wasted through whipping and bearing the heavy cross, Jesus must still endure the searing pain of being nailed to the cross. What are the physical pains that people endure today that are due to climate change? Around the world there have been many deaths due to extreme heat. The elderly, very young and the sick are those who suffer most. It is estimated that climate change will contribute to 250 thousand additional deaths per year.

Misericordiae Vultus: ‘His flesh becomes visible in the flesh of the tortured, the crushed, the scourged, the malnourished, and the exiled … to be acknowledged, touched, and cared for by us. Let us not forget the words of Saint John of the Cross: “as we prepare to leave this life, we will be judged on the basis of love.”’

Prayer: Infinite Love, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future. May we yearn for the coming of your reign of justice, peace, love and beauty.

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.

‘Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.’ (Mark 15:37)

Pause

We contemplate the starkness of Jesus’ death. He was condemned to death; he was tortured and hung on the cross. He breathed his last and died. Unless, the human family changes course, can we expect anything less than death for those condemned to suffer the consequences of climate change? Untimely death is inevitable if we chose not to change.

Laudato Si’: ‘What [does] the commandment “Thou shall not kill” [mean] when “20 percent of the world’s population consumes resources at a rate that robs the poor nations and future generations of what they need to survive”.’

Prayer: Jesus, we commit to examining our lives and changing course onto a healthier path. ‘You dwell in our hearts and you inspire us to do what is good. Praise be to you!’

(‘A Christian prayer in union with creation’, Laudato Si’)

Thirteenth Station: Jesus 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.

‘Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body.’ (John 19:38)

There is still not rest in death. The hour of Passover is approaching and Jesus’ body must be quickly removed. So too is there haste in the care of bodies when the number of deaths is overwhelming in disasters and warfare. There is haste when fleeing where some die on the dangerous journey. There is no time for a proper burial or a proper goodbye.

Laudato Si’: ‘Many things have to change course, but it is we human beings above all who need to change … A great cultural, spiritual and educational challenge stands before us, and it will demand that we set out on the long path of renewal.’

Prayer: Hasten our spirits to a life of conversion, love and generosity. Quicken our steps along this path of renewal for the sake of the most vulnerable, for our own descendants, for the earth, our common home.

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb

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

‘So Joseph took the body and wrapped it  in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock.’ (Matthew 27:59–60)

Jesus had a dignified burial. Joseph of Arimathea had taken care to honour his body. Who are the Josephs of today? It is harsh and sometimes dangerous work for those who must bury the dead from disasters or warfare. The images of the countless people who do this noble work are on the daily news. They are unknown faces who provide dignity and decorum in times of sorrow and destruction. We feel gratitude toward them.

Laudato Si’: ‘We must regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that being good and decent are worth it.’

Prayer: Give strength, Oh Loving God, to those who toil in times of disaster. So too, bless those around us who work to educate our communities; who encourage and inspire their neighbours to take action for the common good.

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 by 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.

Pause for silent prayer

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.

Our Father who art in heaven …

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 …

Closing Prayer: 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 …

The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) is the official aid agency for the Catholic Church in England and Wales and is part of Caritas International. Registered charity number 1160384. Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales number 09387398.