| The Way of the Cross |
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The following is a short Way of the Cross, used by the Franciscan Fathers on their missions. 1st Station Jesus Condemned to Death O Jesus! so meek and uncomplaining, teach me resignation in trials. 2nd Station Jesus Carries His Cross My Jesus, this Cross should be mine, not Thine; my sins crucified Thee. 3rd Station Our Lord Falls the First Time O Jesus! by this first fall, never let me fall into mortal sin. 4th Station Jesus Meets His Mother O Jesus! may no human tie, however dear, keep me from following the road of the Cross. 5th Station Simon the Cyrenean Helps Jesus Carry His Cross Simon unwillingly assisted Thee; may I with patience suffer all for Thee. 6th Station Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus O Jesus! Thou didst imprint Thy sacred features upon Veronica's veil; stamp them also indelibly upon my heart. 7th Station The Second Fall of Jesus By Thy second fall, preserve me, dear Lord, from relapse into sin. 8th Station Jesus Consoles the Women of Jerusalem My greatest consolation would be to hear Thee say: "Many sins are forgiven thee, because thou hast loved much." 9th Station Third Fall of Jesus O Jesus! when weary upon life's long journey, be Thou my strength and my perseverance. 10th Station Jesus Stripped of His Garments My soul has been robbed of its robe of innocence; clothe me, dear Jesus, with the garb of penance and contrition. 11th Station Jesus Nailed to the Cross Thou didst forgive Thy enemies; my God, teach me to forgive injuries and FORGET them. 12th Station Jesus Dies on the Cross Thou art dying, my Jesus, but Thy Sacred Heart still throbs with love for Thy sinful children. 13th Station Jesus Taken Down from the Cross Receive me into thy arms, O Sorrowful Mother; and obtain for me perfect contrition for my sins. 14th Station Jesus Laid in the Sepulchre When I receive Thee into my heart in Holy Communion, O Jesus, make it a fit abiding place for Thy adorable Body. Amen. |
