Stations of the Cross; the Way

I really, really like the pictures of the Stations of the Cross in my church, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Topeka, Kansas.  Yes, they’re getting cracked and very old looking, but they’re still beautiful to me.

I hope it helps you to remember what our Lord suffered on his Way of the Cross, using “A Short Way of the Cross” as used by the Franciscan Fathers on their Missions.  Nothing here is original except for the photos I took.  The pictures will enlarge if you click on them.

~Zina

First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death

  O Jesus! So meek and uncomplaining, teach me resignation in trials.

Second Station: Jesus Carries His Cross

 My Jesus! This Cross should be mine, not Thine! My sins crucified Thee.

Third Station: Our Lord Falls the First Time

 My Jesus! By this first fall, never let me fall into mortal sin.

Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Mother

 O Jesus! May no human tie, however dear, keep me from following the road of the Cross.

Fifth Station: Simon, the Cyrenean, Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

 Simon unwillingly assisted Thee; may I with patience suffer all for Thee.

Sixth 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.

Seventh Station: The Second Fall of Jesus

 By Thy second fall, preserve me, dear Lord, from relapse into sin.

Eighth 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.”

Ninth Station: Third Fall of Jesus

O Jesus! When I am weary upon life’s long journey, be Thou my strength and my perseverance.

Tenth Station: Jesus is 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.

Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nail to the Cross

Thou didst forgive Thy enemies; my God, teach me to forgive injuries and forget them.

Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

Thou art dying, my Jesus, but Thy Sacred Heart still throbs with love for Thy sinful children.

Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross

Receive me into thy arms, O Sorrowful Mother, and obtain for me perfect contrition for my sins.

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Laid in the Sepulcher.

 When I receive Thee into my heart in Holy Communion, O Jesus, make it a fit abiding place for Thy adorable Body.

Amen.

~Zina