R. (11) Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.
Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear,
forget your people and your father’s house.
So shall the king desire your beauty;
for he is your lord, and you must worship him.
All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters;
her raiment is threaded with spun gold.
In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king;
behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you.
They are borne in with gladness and joy;
they enter the palace of the king.
The place of your fathers your sons shall have;
you shall make them princes through all the land.
R. (11) Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.
Brothers and sisters: In regard to virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. So this is what I think best because of the present distress: that it is a good thing for a person to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek a separation. Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife. If you marry, however, you do not sin, nor does an unmarried woman sin if she marries; but such people will experience affliction in their earthly life, and I would like to spare you that. I tell you, brothers, the time is running out. From now on, let those having wives act as not having them, those weeping as not weeping, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, those using the world as not using it fully. For the world in its present form is passing away.
Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
Wooden Casket: Scenes from the Life of Christ · Unknown artist
Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
And in the end of the sabbath, when it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the other Mary, to see the sepulchre. And behold there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and coming, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. And his countenance was as lightning, and his raiment as snow. And for fear of him, the guards were struck with terror, and became as dead men. And the angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid. And going quickly, tell ye his disciples that he is risen: and behold he will go before you into Galilee; there you shall see him. Lo, I have foretold it to you. And they went out quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy, running to tell his disciples. And behold Jesus met them, saying: All hail. But they came up and took hold of his feet, and adored him. Then Jesus said to them: Fear not. Go, tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, there they shall see me.
The Ascension
Acts 1:6-11 (Douay-Rheims)
Ascension of Christ · Albrecht Dürer
They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power: But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them in white garments. Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:1-11 (Douay-Rheims)
The Baptism of Christ with God the Father and angels among clouds · Pietro Mera
And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded in mind, because that every man heard them speak in his own tongue. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying: Behold, are not all these, that speak, Galileans? And how have we heard, every man our own tongue wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews also, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians: we have heard them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.
The Assumption
Luke 1:46-49; Revelation 12:1 (Douay-Rheims)
The Assumption of the Virgin · El Greco
And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name. And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
The Coronation of Mary
Revelation 12:1; Judith 13:18-20 (Douay-Rheims)
The Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin · Albrecht Dürer
And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. And Ozias the prince of the people of Israel, said to her: Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high God, above all women upon the earth. Blessed be the Lord who made heaven and earth, who hath directed thee to the cutting off the head of the prince of our enemies. Because he hath so magnified thy name this day, that thy praise shall not depart out of the mouth of men who shall be mindful of the power of the Lord for ever, for that thou hast not spared thy life, by reason of the distress and tribulation of thy people, but hast prevented our ruin in the presence of our God.
The Resurrection
Matthew 28:1-10 (Douay-Rheims)
The Resurrection of Christ · Carl Bloch
And in the end of the sabbath, when it began to dawn towards the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalen and the other Mary, to see the sepulchre. And behold there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and coming, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. And his countenance was as lightning, and his raiment as snow. And for fear of him, the guards were struck with terror, and became as dead men. And the angel answering, said to the women: Fear not you; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. Come, and see the place where the Lord was laid. And going quickly, tell ye his disciples that he is risen: and behold he will go before you into Galilee; there you shall see him. Lo, I have foretold it to you. And they went out quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy, running to tell his disciples. And behold Jesus met them, saying: All hail. But they came up and took hold of his feet, and adored him. Then Jesus said to them: Fear not. Go, tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, there they shall see me.
The Ascension
Acts 1:6-11 (Douay-Rheims)
Ascension of Christ · Albrecht Dürer
They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power: But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them in white garments. Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:1-11 (Douay-Rheims)
The Baptism of Christ with God the Father and angels among clouds · Pietro Mera
And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded in mind, because that every man heard them speak in his own tongue. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying: Behold, are not all these, that speak, Galileans? And how have we heard, every man our own tongue wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews also, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians: we have heard them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.
The Assumption
Luke 1:46-49; Revelation 12:1 (Douay-Rheims)
The Assumption of the Virgin · El Greco
And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name. And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
The Coronation of Mary
Revelation 12:1; Judith 13:18-20 (Douay-Rheims)
The Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin · Albrecht Dürer
And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. And Ozias the prince of the people of Israel, said to her: Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high God, above all women upon the earth. Blessed be the Lord who made heaven and earth, who hath directed thee to the cutting off the head of the prince of our enemies. Because he hath so magnified thy name this day, that thy praise shall not depart out of the mouth of men who shall be mindful of the power of the Lord for ever, for that thou hast not spared thy life, by reason of the distress and tribulation of thy people, but hast prevented our ruin in the presence of our God.
Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Rosary
The First Sorrow of Mary: The Prophecy of Simeon
Luke 2:34-35
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and the Baptism of Christ · Frantz Clein
…Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The Second Sorrow of Mary: The Flight Into Egypt
Matthew 2:13-14
The Holy Family in Egypt · Albrecht Dürer
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.
The Third Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Lost in the Temple
Luke 2:43-45
Enthroned Virgin with the Writing Christ Child · Unknown artist
After they had completed their days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
The Fourth Sorrow of Mary: Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary
Luke 23:27-29
Christ Carrying the Cross · Master of the Worcester Carrying of the Cross
A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’”
The Fifth Sorrow of Mary: Standing at the Foot of the Cross
John 19:25-27
The Crucifixion with the Virgin and Saint John · Hendrick ter Brugghen
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
The Sixth Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross
John 19:32-34
Deposition of Christ, ‘Florence Pietà’ · Michelangelo Buonarroti
…the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
The Seventh Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Buried in the Garden Tomb
John 19:41-42
The Entombment · Moretto da Brescia (Alessandro Bonvicino)
…in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.
The First Sorrow of Mary: The Prophecy of Simeon
Luke 2:34-35
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, and the Baptism of Christ · Frantz Clein
…Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The Second Sorrow of Mary: The Flight Into Egypt
Matthew 2:13-14
The Holy Family in Egypt · Albrecht Dürer
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.
The Third Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Lost in the Temple
Luke 2:43-45
Enthroned Virgin with the Writing Christ Child · Unknown artist
After they had completed their days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
The Fourth Sorrow of Mary: Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary
Luke 23:27-29
Christ Carrying the Cross · Master of the Worcester Carrying of the Cross
A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’”
The Fifth Sorrow of Mary: Standing at the Foot of the Cross
John 19:25-27
The Crucifixion with the Virgin and Saint John · Hendrick ter Brugghen
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
The Sixth Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross
John 19:32-34
Deposition of Christ, ‘Florence Pietà’ · Michelangelo Buonarroti
…the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
The Seventh Sorrow of Mary: Jesus is Buried in the Garden Tomb
John 19:41-42
The Entombment · Moretto da Brescia (Alessandro Bonvicino)
…in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.
Stations of the Cross
Station 1 — Jesus is Condemned to Death
Pilate saith: "Behold the Man." when the chief priests and the servants had seen him, they cried out saying: "Crucify Him, crucify Him. He calleth Himself the Son of God. He hath become the censurer of our thoughts. He is grevious unto us, even to behold, for His life is not like other men's, and He abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness…"
My people, what have I done to thee? Or in what have I grieved thee? Behold I have planted thee as my fairest vine, and thou hast become very bitter to Me. I went before thee in a pillar of cloud
and thou hast brought Me before Pilate's judgement seat.
He was offered because it was His own will, and He opened not His mouth. He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter and shall be dumb as a lamb before His shearer, and He shall not open His mouth. He is cut off out of the land of the living: for the wickedness of His people He was struck.
Station 2 — Jesus Is Made to Carry His Cross
Then Pilate delivered Him to be crucified. And they took Jesus and led Him forth. And bearing His own cross, He went forth to the place which is called Calvary.
My people, what have I done to thee, or in what have I grieved thee? I was thy guide through the desert for forty years, and fed thee with manna and brought thee into an excellent land, and thou hast prepared a cross for thy Savior?
He hath borne our infirmities and carried our sorrows; and we have thought Him as it were a leper and as one struck by God and afflicted. He was wounded for our transgressions: He was bruised for our sins, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. All we like sheep have gone astray, every one hath turned aside into his own way: and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Station 3 — Jesus Falls the First Time
He shall lay down his life for sin, He shall see a long-lived seed, and the will of the Lord shall be prosperous in His hand. But the Lord is now pleased to bruise him in infirmity.
O Father, I am afflicted and greatly humbled, I cry aloud because of the sorrow of My Heart. Lord, all My longing is known to Thee, and My sighs are not hidden from Thee. My Heart beats furiously, My strength is gone, Mine eyes are dim and dull with weeping and pain. My friends and my companions come within sight of Me, but stand aloof, and my neighbors keep far from
me.
The arrows of Thy judgement have sunk deep in Me, and Thy hand is pressing heavily upon Me. There is no soundness in My body because of Thine anger. The iniquities of My people, like a flood, have overwhelmed Me; like a crushing burden they weigh upon Me.
Station 4 — Jesus Meets His Sorrowful Mother
Behold, thy Son is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign of contradiction. And thine own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.
Weeping I have wept in the night, and my tears are on my cheeks, because the comforter, the relief of my soul, is taken from me. I have spread forth my hands, there is none to comfort me. I called for my friends and they deceived me, they have become my enemies; my priests and my
ancients have rejoiced in my evil. My child is desolate and the enemy hath prevailed. O all ye that pass by the way, attend and see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow.
Ah, Mother! fount of love, make me feel the force of thy sorrow, make me weep with thee: Who is there could contemplate the Mother and the Son in sorrow, and not join his own with theirs?6
Station 5 — Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus to Carry His Cross
As they led Him away, they laid hold of one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him to carry after Jesus.
Furious enemies are around Me like a herd of oxen, they hem Me like fierce bulls. I am drained like water, My bones are weakened, My heart is like melting wax in My breast.
Who will arise as My defender against the wicked? Who will stand by Me against the workers of
iniquity? My heart hath endured reproach and misery. I looked for one that would have pity on Me, but there was no man, and for one that would console Me, and I found none.
Station 6 — Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
There is no beauty in Him, nor comeliness, a worm, not a man, the object of men's contempt. We have seen Him and there is no sightliness, that we should be desirous of Him. Despised, rejected, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. His visage was inglorious among men and His form among the sons of men. Whereupon we esteemed Him not.
All ye who seek Christ, lift up your eyes on high, to behold a token of His eternal glory. O brightness of the Father's glory, incomprehensible love, by Thy presence bestow upon us the
fullness of Thy light.
Thou art beautiful above the sons of men, grace is poured abroad in Thy lips. "My heart hath uttered a good word. I speak my works to the King." He is the brightness of eternal light, the unspotted mirror, and the image of His goodness.
Station 7 — Jesus Falls the Second Time
I am afflicted and greatly humbled, I roared with the groaning of My heart. My heart is troubled, My strength hath left Me, and the light of My eyes itself is not with Me.
Thy burning wrath has swept over Me, Thy terrors have confounded Me. They have encompassed Me like water all day long, closing around on every side. Thou hast put far from Me a friend and neighbor, leaving darkness as My companion.
In Thee, O Lord! I have hoped, thou wilt hear Me, O Lord My God! For I am on the verge of ruin, and my sorrow is continually before Me. Forsake Me not, O Lord My God, do not Thou depart from Me. Attend unto My help, O Lord, the God of My salvation.
Station 8 — The Women of Jerusalem Weep Over Jesus
There followed Him a great multitude of people and of women, who bewailed and lamented Him. Jesus turning to them, said: "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children."
My eyes are consumed with weeping, My entrails boil, My liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of My people. The children say to their mothers: "Where is what and wine?" as they faint away as wounded in the streets of the city, as they breathe out their souls in
the bosoms of their mothers. A voice was heard, lamentation and great mourning: Rachel bewails her children and would not be comforted, because they are not.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thine enemies shall beat thee to the ground, and thy children who are in thee, because thou hast not known the time of thy visitation.
Station 9 — Jesus Falls the Third Time
The Lord hath made a vintage of Me, as He spoke in the day of His fierce anger. From above He hath sent fire into My bones and hath chastised Me, He hath spread a net for My feet, He hath turned Me back, he hath made Me desolate, wasted with sorrow all the day long.
O Lord, Thou hast placed Me in the nethermost pit, in dark places, and in the shadow of death. Thy wrath lies heavily upon Me, all Thy billows of fury sweep over Me. Thou hast removed Mine acquaintances far from Me, they regard Me as an abomination, I am imprisoned and
cannot escape.
The iniquities of My people are put upon My neck. My strength is weakened. The Lord hath delivered Me into a hand out of which I am not able to rise.
Station 10 — Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments
Who is this that cometh from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bosra, this beautiful one arrayed in majesty, walking in the greatness of His strength? It is I, who announce vindication, I who am mighty to save. Why is then Thine apparel red and Thy garments like theirs that tread in the winepress? I have trodden the winepress alone, and of My people there was no one with Me. The blood spurted on My garments, all My apparel I stained, for My year of redemption was at hand.
O My people, for thy sake I have borne reproach, shame hath covered My face. My foes gaze on Me and examine Me with malicious delight. They are dividing among them My clothes, and upon My vesture they cast lots.
Station 11 — Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
When they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified Him there, and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
All who pass by and see Me deride Me; they mock Me in their words, they wag their heads at Me. Like a ravening and roaring lion, they open their mouth to devour Me: He hoped in the Lord, let the Lord come to His rescue; let the Lord free him, if He cares for Him!...
My strength is dried up, My tongue hath cleaved to My jaws, and Thou hast brought Me down to the dust of death. For enemies, like a pack of dogs, have encircled Me, the council of the wicked hath besieged Me. They have pierced My hands and My feet. They have numbered all My bones.
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Station 12 — Jesus Is Raised Upon the Cross and Dies
It was almost the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the veil of the Temple was rent in tow from the top to the bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened…And Jesus cried out with a loud voice:
Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani? O My God, My God, look upon Me, why hast Thou forsaken Me? I cry by day, and Thou dost not answer, I cry in the night-time and no relief comes to Me…
Have Mercy on Me, O Lord. My eyes are troubled in Thy wrath, My soul and My bowels. My strength is giving way under misery, and My whole body is shaken. I am forgotten like one that is dead, I am cast aside like a broken vessel.
It is consummated. Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit. And Jesus, bowing His head, gave up the ghost.
Station 13 — Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross and Placed in the Arms of His Mother
Let the evening come suddenly upon the whole heavens, and let the astonished sun dispatch the day, while we contemplate the spectacle of the cruel death and the divine tragedy.
My people, what have I done to thee, or in what have I grieved thee? I opened a way through the sea before thee, and thou hast opened My side with a spear.
With what a flood of tears, with what sorrow is the grief-stricken Virgin Mother overwhelmed,
while she beholds her son lying in her arms after being taken down from the bloody Tree! Full of sorrow she bathes with her tears His sweet lips, His gentle breast, His most dear side, His pierced right hand, His wounded left, and His feet red with blood.
O Mother, we beseech thee by these tears, by the cruel death of thy Son, and by the purple of His wounds, plant deep in our hearts the grief of thine own heart!15
Station 14 — Jesus is Laid in the Sepulcher
There was in the place where He was crucified a garden: and in the garden a new sepulcher. There, because of the Passover of the Jews, they laid Jesus.
This day shall be a memorial for you. This is the Passage of the Lord. I will execute judgment, for I am the Lord. And this Blood shall be unto you a sign, and I shall see the Blood and shall pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I shall strike the land of Egypt.
Behold in peace is My bitterness transformed. Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, nor wilt Thou give Thy holy one to see corruption. Hell shall not confess to Thee, neither shall death praise Thee, nor shall they that go down into the abyss look for Thy truth. The living, the living shall give praise to Thee, as I do this day.
Blessing and honor, glory, and power unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, Who hath redeemed us to God by His blood, for ever and ever. Amen.
Station 1 — Jesus is Condemned to Death
Pilate saith: "Behold the Man." when the chief priests and the servants had seen him, they cried out saying: "Crucify Him, crucify Him. He calleth Himself the Son of God. He hath become the censurer of our thoughts. He is grevious unto us, even to behold, for His life is not like other men's, and He abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness…"
My people, what have I done to thee? Or in what have I grieved thee? Behold I have planted thee as my fairest vine, and thou hast become very bitter to Me. I went before thee in a pillar of cloud
and thou hast brought Me before Pilate's judgement seat.
He was offered because it was His own will, and He opened not His mouth. He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter and shall be dumb as a lamb before His shearer, and He shall not open His mouth. He is cut off out of the land of the living: for the wickedness of His people He was struck.
Station 2 — Jesus Is Made to Carry His Cross
Then Pilate delivered Him to be crucified. And they took Jesus and led Him forth. And bearing His own cross, He went forth to the place which is called Calvary.
My people, what have I done to thee, or in what have I grieved thee? I was thy guide through the desert for forty years, and fed thee with manna and brought thee into an excellent land, and thou hast prepared a cross for thy Savior?
He hath borne our infirmities and carried our sorrows; and we have thought Him as it were a leper and as one struck by God and afflicted. He was wounded for our transgressions: He was bruised for our sins, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. All we like sheep have gone astray, every one hath turned aside into his own way: and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Station 3 — Jesus Falls the First Time
He shall lay down his life for sin, He shall see a long-lived seed, and the will of the Lord shall be prosperous in His hand. But the Lord is now pleased to bruise him in infirmity.
O Father, I am afflicted and greatly humbled, I cry aloud because of the sorrow of My Heart. Lord, all My longing is known to Thee, and My sighs are not hidden from Thee. My Heart beats furiously, My strength is gone, Mine eyes are dim and dull with weeping and pain. My friends and my companions come within sight of Me, but stand aloof, and my neighbors keep far from
me.
The arrows of Thy judgement have sunk deep in Me, and Thy hand is pressing heavily upon Me. There is no soundness in My body because of Thine anger. The iniquities of My people, like a flood, have overwhelmed Me; like a crushing burden they weigh upon Me.
Station 4 — Jesus Meets His Sorrowful Mother
Behold, thy Son is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign of contradiction. And thine own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.
Weeping I have wept in the night, and my tears are on my cheeks, because the comforter, the relief of my soul, is taken from me. I have spread forth my hands, there is none to comfort me. I called for my friends and they deceived me, they have become my enemies; my priests and my
ancients have rejoiced in my evil. My child is desolate and the enemy hath prevailed. O all ye that pass by the way, attend and see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow.
Ah, Mother! fount of love, make me feel the force of thy sorrow, make me weep with thee: Who is there could contemplate the Mother and the Son in sorrow, and not join his own with theirs?6
Station 5 — Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus to Carry His Cross
As they led Him away, they laid hold of one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him to carry after Jesus.
Furious enemies are around Me like a herd of oxen, they hem Me like fierce bulls. I am drained like water, My bones are weakened, My heart is like melting wax in My breast.
Who will arise as My defender against the wicked? Who will stand by Me against the workers of
iniquity? My heart hath endured reproach and misery. I looked for one that would have pity on Me, but there was no man, and for one that would console Me, and I found none.
Station 6 — Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
There is no beauty in Him, nor comeliness, a worm, not a man, the object of men's contempt. We have seen Him and there is no sightliness, that we should be desirous of Him. Despised, rejected, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. His visage was inglorious among men and His form among the sons of men. Whereupon we esteemed Him not.
All ye who seek Christ, lift up your eyes on high, to behold a token of His eternal glory. O brightness of the Father's glory, incomprehensible love, by Thy presence bestow upon us the
fullness of Thy light.
Thou art beautiful above the sons of men, grace is poured abroad in Thy lips. "My heart hath uttered a good word. I speak my works to the King." He is the brightness of eternal light, the unspotted mirror, and the image of His goodness.
Station 7 — Jesus Falls the Second Time
I am afflicted and greatly humbled, I roared with the groaning of My heart. My heart is troubled, My strength hath left Me, and the light of My eyes itself is not with Me.
Thy burning wrath has swept over Me, Thy terrors have confounded Me. They have encompassed Me like water all day long, closing around on every side. Thou hast put far from Me a friend and neighbor, leaving darkness as My companion.
In Thee, O Lord! I have hoped, thou wilt hear Me, O Lord My God! For I am on the verge of ruin, and my sorrow is continually before Me. Forsake Me not, O Lord My God, do not Thou depart from Me. Attend unto My help, O Lord, the God of My salvation.
Station 8 — The Women of Jerusalem Weep Over Jesus
There followed Him a great multitude of people and of women, who bewailed and lamented Him. Jesus turning to them, said: "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children."
My eyes are consumed with weeping, My entrails boil, My liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of My people. The children say to their mothers: "Where is what and wine?" as they faint away as wounded in the streets of the city, as they breathe out their souls in
the bosoms of their mothers. A voice was heard, lamentation and great mourning: Rachel bewails her children and would not be comforted, because they are not.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thine enemies shall beat thee to the ground, and thy children who are in thee, because thou hast not known the time of thy visitation.
Station 9 — Jesus Falls the Third Time
The Lord hath made a vintage of Me, as He spoke in the day of His fierce anger. From above He hath sent fire into My bones and hath chastised Me, He hath spread a net for My feet, He hath turned Me back, he hath made Me desolate, wasted with sorrow all the day long.
O Lord, Thou hast placed Me in the nethermost pit, in dark places, and in the shadow of death. Thy wrath lies heavily upon Me, all Thy billows of fury sweep over Me. Thou hast removed Mine acquaintances far from Me, they regard Me as an abomination, I am imprisoned and
cannot escape.
The iniquities of My people are put upon My neck. My strength is weakened. The Lord hath delivered Me into a hand out of which I am not able to rise.
Station 10 — Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments
Who is this that cometh from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bosra, this beautiful one arrayed in majesty, walking in the greatness of His strength? It is I, who announce vindication, I who am mighty to save. Why is then Thine apparel red and Thy garments like theirs that tread in the winepress? I have trodden the winepress alone, and of My people there was no one with Me. The blood spurted on My garments, all My apparel I stained, for My year of redemption was at hand.
O My people, for thy sake I have borne reproach, shame hath covered My face. My foes gaze on Me and examine Me with malicious delight. They are dividing among them My clothes, and upon My vesture they cast lots.
Station 11 — Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
When they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified Him there, and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
All who pass by and see Me deride Me; they mock Me in their words, they wag their heads at Me. Like a ravening and roaring lion, they open their mouth to devour Me: He hoped in the Lord, let the Lord come to His rescue; let the Lord free him, if He cares for Him!...
My strength is dried up, My tongue hath cleaved to My jaws, and Thou hast brought Me down to the dust of death. For enemies, like a pack of dogs, have encircled Me, the council of the wicked hath besieged Me. They have pierced My hands and My feet. They have numbered all My bones.
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Station 12 — Jesus Is Raised Upon the Cross and Dies
It was almost the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the veil of the Temple was rent in tow from the top to the bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened…And Jesus cried out with a loud voice:
Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani? O My God, My God, look upon Me, why hast Thou forsaken Me? I cry by day, and Thou dost not answer, I cry in the night-time and no relief comes to Me…
Have Mercy on Me, O Lord. My eyes are troubled in Thy wrath, My soul and My bowels. My strength is giving way under misery, and My whole body is shaken. I am forgotten like one that is dead, I am cast aside like a broken vessel.
It is consummated. Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit. And Jesus, bowing His head, gave up the ghost.
Station 13 — Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross and Placed in the Arms of His Mother
Let the evening come suddenly upon the whole heavens, and let the astonished sun dispatch the day, while we contemplate the spectacle of the cruel death and the divine tragedy.
My people, what have I done to thee, or in what have I grieved thee? I opened a way through the sea before thee, and thou hast opened My side with a spear.
With what a flood of tears, with what sorrow is the grief-stricken Virgin Mother overwhelmed,
while she beholds her son lying in her arms after being taken down from the bloody Tree! Full of sorrow she bathes with her tears His sweet lips, His gentle breast, His most dear side, His pierced right hand, His wounded left, and His feet red with blood.
O Mother, we beseech thee by these tears, by the cruel death of thy Son, and by the purple of His wounds, plant deep in our hearts the grief of thine own heart!15
Station 14 — Jesus is Laid in the Sepulcher
There was in the place where He was crucified a garden: and in the garden a new sepulcher. There, because of the Passover of the Jews, they laid Jesus.
This day shall be a memorial for you. This is the Passage of the Lord. I will execute judgment, for I am the Lord. And this Blood shall be unto you a sign, and I shall see the Blood and shall pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I shall strike the land of Egypt.
Behold in peace is My bitterness transformed. Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell, nor wilt Thou give Thy holy one to see corruption. Hell shall not confess to Thee, neither shall death praise Thee, nor shall they that go down into the abyss look for Thy truth. The living, the living shall give praise to Thee, as I do this day.
Blessing and honor, glory, and power unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, Who hath redeemed us to God by His blood, for ever and ever. Amen.
