PRAYER

Stations of the Cross

Opening Prayer

Loving Jesus, along your way of the cross, you met hardened soldiers, condemning Pharisees, and compassionate men and women. As we walk the same way of the cross, let us search our innermost hearts, for they are capable of hardness or compassion, fickleness or faithfulness. Jesus, may we confront the dark side of our hearts and, through your grace, decide to remain your faithful and compassionate followers. Amen.

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, full of grace the Lord is with thee, blessed are thou 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 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.

Station Prayer

The following is said before each station:

We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world. After announcing and meditating on each Station, pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.

Use these arrows to scroll through the Stations of the Cross.

Photos - Stations of the Cross

Station I: 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 said: “I am innocent of this man’s blood. It is your concern.” Mt 27:24

Remember….

…those condemned unjustly…those sentenced by members of governments and society because of their faith

Station I: Jesus Is Condemned to Death

Station II: Jesus Bears His Cross

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said: “Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, …and you will find rest for your souls.” Mt 11:28

Remember….

…those carrying a heavy cross in life without murmuring, inspired by Christ

Station II: Jesus Bears His Cross

Station III: Jesus Falls the First Time

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Psalmist said: “I was pressed, pressed about to fall, but Yahweh came to my help.” Ps 118:13

Remember….

…those carrying a heavy cross in life without murmuring, inspired by Christ

Station III: Jesus Falls the First Time

Station IV: Jesus Meets His Mother

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said: “Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, is my brother and sister and mother.” Mt 12:50

Remember….

…your own mother …all called to be a mother to others …all expectant mothers

Station IV: Jesus Meets His Mother

Station V: Jesus Is Helped by Simon

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Matthew wrote: “A man from Cyrene, Simon by name, was forced to carry his cross.” Mt 27:32

Remember….

…those who assist others in life without being recognized …those who give of themselves that others’ burdens are lightened

Station V: Jesus Is Helped by Simon

Station VI: Jesus and Veronica

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said: “What you did for the least of my brothers, you did it for me.” Mt 25:40

Remember….

…those reaching out to the marginalized of society …those helping Aids victims, prisoners, minorities

Station VI: Jesus and Veronica

Station VII: Jesus Falls a Second Time

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said: “If anyone wants to be my follower, …let him take up his cross and follow me.” Mt 16:24

Remember….

…those who lack the courage and strength to overcome addictions, personal shortcomings, sinfulness, and find themselves back in their old habits and behavior

Station VII: Jesus Falls a Second Time

Station VIII: Jesus Speaks to the Women

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children.” Lk 23:28

Remember….

…families who are struggling with any kind of difficulties and problems …women oppressed by society, Church, work force, spouses…

Station VIII: Jesus Speaks to the Women

Station IX: Jesus Falls the Third Time

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Paul wrote: “The Lord says: My grace is enough for you; my power is at its best in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9

Remember….

…those who have given up and see no purpose and meaning in life

Station IX: Jesus Falls the Third Time

Station X: 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.”

Psalmist said: “They shared out my clothing among them, they cast lots for my clothes.” Ps 22:18

Remember….

…those sisters and brothers stripped of their dignity

Station X: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments

Station XI: 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.”

Jesus said: “Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.” Lk 23:34

Remember….

…those who find themselves trapped in difficult situations and see no way out

Station XI: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

Station XII: Jesus Dies on the Cross

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Jesus said: “It is accomplished – and bowing his head he gave up his spirit.” Jn 19:30

Remember….

…the lonely…the dying…those who have no one to be with in their final hours of life’s journey

Station XII: Jesus Dies on the Cross

Station XIII: 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.”

Jesus said: “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Mt 10:22

Remember….

…those mourning the loss of loved ones …those longing for consolation

Station XIII: Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross

Station XIV: 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.”

Jesus said: “I tell you, most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest.” Jn 12:24

Remember….

…those facing death without hope of eternal life …those who will die unexpectedly

Station XIV: Jesus is Laid in the Tomb

Station XV: Jesus is Raised from the Dead

“We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

The Angel said: “He is not here; He is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee.” Lk 24:6

Remember….

…those who believe in the Resurrection and give witness to it daily

Station XV: Jesus is Raised from the Dead

Photography Credit – Fr. Thomas Leitner, OSB