Way of the Cross

SIGN OF THE CROSS

In the Name of the Father, And of the Son, And of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

OPENING PRAYER

P: My Lord Jesus Christ, you have made this journey to die for me with infinite love. So many times I have sinned, but I repent sincerely because I love you. R: Pardon me, my God. I will love you all my life.

Suggested hymn · Optional

At the cross her station keeping Stood the mournful Mother weeping Close to Jesus to the last.

First Station

JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

Jesus, after having been scourged and crowned with thorns, was unjustly condemned by Pilate to die on the Cross.

PRAYER

Jesus, it is because of my sins that You are going to die. Through the merits of Your sorrowful journey, help me in my journey to Heaven. I love You, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love You always and to do Your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

Through her heart, his sorrow sharing, All his bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword has passed

Second Station

JESUS IS MADE TO BEAR HIS CROSS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

Jesus, in making this journey with the Cross on His shoulders, thought of us, and offered for us, to His Father, the death that He was about to undergo.

PRAYER

Jesus, I embrace all the suffering that you send to me. Through the merits of your pain in carrying Your Cross, help me to carry my cross with patience and resignation. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

O, how sad and sore distressed Was that Mother highly blessed Of the sole Begotten One!

Third Station

JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

Jesus fell for the first time under His Cross. He had been scourged and had a crown of thorns on His head, and the soldiers hit Him. He was in so much pain He could barely walk, but He had to carry the heavy Cross.

PRAYER

Jesus, the weight of my sins adds to your suffering and makes it infinitely worse. Through the merits of your first fall, deliver me from falling into mortal sin. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

Christ above in torment hangs, She beneath beholds the pangs Of her dying, glorious Son.

Fourth Station

JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

Jesus met His Mother Mary along His journey. They loved each other so deeply.

PRAYER

Jesus, through the sorrow and joy you had in meeting your Mother Mary, help me to be truly devoted to her. Mary, help me to remember in my heart the suffering your Son underwent for me. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

Is there one who would not weep, ‘whelmed in miseries so deep Christ’s dear Mother to behold?

Fifth Station

SIMON HELPS JESUS CARRY HIS CROSS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

When the Jews saw how weak Jesus was, they feared He might die on the way, before He was crucified, so they forced a man named Simon the Cyrenian to carry the Cross behind our Lord.

PRAYER

Jesus, I accept the cross you give to me, and I accept how you want me to die. I offer all my sufferings and troubles to you. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

Can the human heart refrain From partaking in her pain In that Mother’s pain untold?

Sixth Station

VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

A woman named Veronica, seeing Jesus suffering so much, and sweat and blood dripping down His face, gave Him a towel to wipe His face. By a miracle, He left an image of His face on the towel.

PRAYER

Jesus, your face was once clean and good to look upon, but blood and sweat disfigured it, and Veronica wiped Your face clean. My soul was once clean and beautiful when I was baptized, but sin disfigured it. Through your suffering, wipe my soul clean. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love You always and to do Your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled She beheld her tender Child All with bloody scourges rent,

Seventh Station

JESUS FALLS A SECOND TIME

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

Jesus fell the second time under the Cross. The fall renews all the pain in His body and makes His head throb.

PRAYER

Jesus, so many times you have forgiven me, and so many times I have sinned again. Through the merits of your second fall, help me and preserve me in your grace until I die. Help me to call on you every time I am tempted. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

For the sins of his own nation Saw him hang in desolation Till his spirit forth he sent.

Eighth Station

JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

These women wept with compassion at seeing Jesus walking to His death. But Jesus said to them, “Weep not for me but for your children.”

PRAYER

Jesus, I am sorry for all my sins, because of the pain and sadness they cause you, who loves me so much. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

O thou Mother! fount of Love, Touch my spirit from above. Make my heart with yours accord:

Ninth Station

JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

Jesus fell for the third time. He was so weak and the soldiers pushed Him to walk faster, but He could barely move.

PRAYER

Jesus, by my weakness in temptation, you are going to Calvary. Give me strength to conquer temptation. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

Make me feel as you havet felt; Make my soul to glow and melt With the love of Christ, my Lord.

Tenth Station

JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

The soldiers snatched Jesus’ robe off Him.

PRAYER

Jesus, help me to strip my soul of bad habits so I can give all my love to you, who are so worthy of all my love. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

Holy Mother, pierce me through! In my heart each wound renew Of my Savior crucified.

Eleventh Station

JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

Jesus was thrown down onto the Cross. He stretched out His arms and offered His life to the Father for our salvation. The soldiers nailed Him to the Cross and pushed the Cross to stand up.

PRAYER

Jesus, keep my heart. Keep me always close to you. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love You always and to do Your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

Let me share with thee His pain, Who for all our sins was slain. Who for me in torments died.

Twelfth Station

JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

After suffering for three hours on the Cross, Jesus gave up His life to the Father and died.

PRAYER

Jesus, through my sins, I deserve to be punished, but your death is my hope. Through the merits of your death, give me the grace that when I die, I will die as you want me to. I entrust my soul into your hands. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

Let me mingle tears with thee, Mourning him who mourned for me All the days that I may live.

Thirteenth Station

JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

Two of Jesus’ disciples took Jesus down from the Cross and Mary His Mother held Him close to her heart.

PRAYER

Mary, sorrowful Mother, pray to your Son for me. Jesus, you have died because you love me. Help me to love you always. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

By the cross with you to stay, There with you to weep and pray, Is all I ask of you to give.

Fourteenth Station

JESUS IS LAID IN HIS TOMB

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

MEDITATION

The two disciples and Mary laid Jesus in a tomb.

PRAYER

Jesus, You rose on the third day. Through your Resurrection, make me rise glorious on the last day, to be always with you in Heaven, praising and loving you. I love you, Jesus. I repent of my sins. Help me to never sin again and to love you always and to do your will.

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

GLORY BE

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Suggested hymn · Optional

Virgin of all virgins blest! Listen to my fond request: Let me share your grief divine.

CONCLUSION

CLOSING PRAYER

Jesus, I kneel before you and ask you: fill my heart with faith, hope, and charity, with true repentance for my sins, and a firm desire of amendment.

CLOSING MEDITATION

God has loved us from all eternity. Before we existed, before He created us, before He created the world, He loved each of us already. From all eternity, God loves us.
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Introduction