The Stations of the Cross

- Preparatory Prayer -

Most merciful Jesus! With a contrite heart and penitent spirit I purpose now to perform this devotion in honor of Thy bitter Passion and death. I adore Thee most humbly as my Lord and my God. I thank Thee most heartily, my divine Savior, for the infinite love wherewith Thou didst make the painful journey to Calvary for me, a wretched sinner, and didst die upon the cross for my salvation. I am truly sorry for all my sins, because by them I have offended Thee, Who art infinitely good. I detest them and I am resolved to amend my life. Grant that I may gain all the indulgences which are attached to this devotion, and since Thou hast promised to draw all things to Thyself, draw my heart and my love to Thee, that I may live and die in unison with Thee. Amen.

I. Station,
Jesus is condemned to death.

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee:
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world!

Meditation.

Jesus, most innocent, Who neither did nor could commit a sin, was condemned to death, and, moreover, to the most ignominious death of the cross. To remain a friend of Caeser, Pilate delivered Him into the hands of His enemies. A fearful crime - to condemn Innocence to death, and to offend God in order not to displease men!

Prayer

O Innocent Jesus! Having sinned, I am guilty of eternal death, but Thou willingly dost accept the unjust sentence of death, that I might live. For whom, then, shall I henceforth live, if not for Thee, My Lord? Should I desire to please men, I could not be Thy servant. Let me, therefore, rather displease men and all the world than not please Thee, O Jesus.

Our Father, etc.; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified:
R. Have mercy on us.

II. Station.
Jesus carries His cross.

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee:
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world!

Meditation.

When our divine Savior beheld the cross, He stretched out His bleeding arms towards it with eager desire, lovingly embraced it, tenderly kissed it, and placing it on His bruised shoulders, joyfully carried it, although He was worn and weary unto death.

Prayer.

O My Jesus! I cannot be Thy friend and follower if I refuse to carry the cross. O dearly beloved cross! I embrace thee, I kiss thee, I joyfully accept thee from the hands of my God. Far be it from me to glory in anything, save in the cross of my Redeemer. By it the world shall be crucified to me and I to the world, that I may be Thine, O Jesus, forever.

Our Father, etc.; Hail Mary, etc.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified:
R. Have mercy on us.

'The Stations of the Cross' taken from the "Catholic Girls Guide" by Father Lasance.