Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived, suffered and died for us. He rose again and triumphed over sin and death. In the Middle Ages, Catholics from Europe visited Jerusalem to see the “Via Dolorosa”, Latin for “The Path of Sorrow”, Christ’s journey to the Cross.
They thought it would be nice to have the path described within their own churches, so their parishioners could also walk the path. This is how the 14 Stations of the Cross in Catholic churches came to be.
Today, we remember Jesus’s suffering and death by making the Stations of the Cross. This can be done anytime, day or night at St. Mary’s Church. The beautiful hammered aluminum Stations are on the walls around the nave of the church.
Our church is always open with someone there 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Perpetual Adoration. Every Friday during Lent, everyone is welcome to come and make the stations of the Cross. Each year St. Mary’s sixth graders offer the Living Stations to the parish during Holy Week. Making the Stations is a time of prayer, for us to let Jesus show us how much he loves us
through his passion and death, and for us to open our hearts and respond in prayer and thanksgiving.
“Greater love than this no one has than to give one’s life for one’s friends” (John 8:12).
Stations
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1. Jesus is Condemned to Die
Your desire for me to have everlasting life, grace and to become a child of God was so great you chose to die for me. That tells me how precious my life is to you. Please teach me every day to appreciate the gift you have given me and help me not to lose it by sin.
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2. Jesus Carries His Cross
Jesus, you paid a high price for my redemption and the life of grace you have given me by choosing to die such a painful and disgraceful death on the Cross. I pray that I will love you always and bear my crosses for Your sake.
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3. Jesus Falls the First Time
Your painful fall under the Cross shows us how human you were. Your rise gives us strength. Let me be mindful that I can fall from sin but can rise again when I repent. Let me not forget your love and let that love remind me not to sin again.
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4. Jesus Meets His Mother
Your Passion was something your mother knew would come. She was there for you when you needed her most. She is my mother too and wants me to live and die as a child of God. I pray that I will always love you and your Mother.
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5. Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
Jesus, Simon was reluctant to help you carry the Cross. Please help me understand that by carrying my crosses I can grow closer to you as Simon was united with you through the Cross.
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6. Veronica Wipes Jesus’ Face
Jesus, you graciously rewarded the very courageous woman who came to wipe your face. Please give me courage, to know that with you by my side I can resist sin and temptation and will be rewarded with joy and peace that only you can give.
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7. Jesus Falls a Second Time
Jesus, though I have tried not to, I continue to sin. I know you will forgive me my sins if I come to you with a contrite heart. I am sorry for having offended you and ask that you help me to avoid sinning again. I need you.
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8. Jesus Speaks to the Women
Jesus, you told the women of Jerusalem to cry for their sins rather than for you. I want to cry because I know my sins keep me from being close to you and continue to cause you to suffer.
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9. Jesus Falls a Third Time
Jesus by sheer exhaustion you fell a third time but you endured your pain and suffering. I pray that when my time comes I will not yield to despair because I can fly to you for help and comfort.
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10. Jesus is Stripped of His Garments
Jesus, you allowed them to strip you of your garments. I ask that you strip me of sin that I may be clothed in your holiness. I ask that you help me to sacrifice all the things that would keep me from being with you forever.
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