You are on page 1of 29

 

> View Post

PRAYER GUIDE FOR VISITA IGLESIA DURING


HOLY WEEK
2 days ago by splendor1618
 0 Comments0 Comments

VISITAS IGLESIAS
(Prayers & STATIONS OF THE CROSS)

Filipinos usually hold the “Stations of the Cross” on Good Friday, the day in the Holy Week that
commemorates Jesus’ death.

It can also be held while doing the Visita Iglesia (Holy Week Church Visits), where devotees can either
visit 14 churches and pray in one station per church visited, or visit 7 churches and pray in 2 stations in
each church.

HOW TO DO THE VISITA IGLESIA. #VisitaIglesia2023

1. One will visit Seven or Fourteen Roman Catholic churches.

2. Can be done either

(a) on the night of Maundy Thursday or

(b) on Good Friday as long as it is before the 3PM service.

3. Pilgrims on Maundy Thursday must seek and locate the Altar of Repose platform and respect the
Lord’s presence. People may pray there or proceed to the Stations of the Cross section.

4. Pilgrims on Good Friday may pray before the Stations of the Cross images/signages. The tabernacle is
usually empty on Good Friday.

5. The following prayers are used, namely (a) Stations of the Cross or (b) any devotional/personal prayer
suit to the occasion.

PRAYER GUIDE FOR VISITA IGLESIA & STATIONS OF THE CROSS

(7 Churches – For Personal Use)

• FIRST CHURCH
(Kneel)

+In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit• Ꭺmєn.

LEADER: Let us praise the Lord,

ALL: and give him thanks!

LET US PRAY:

LEADER: Holy Spirit, you who reveal Jesus to us, help us to discover him in his Eucharistic presence;

Beneath the veil of the Host, show us the powerful and generous Christ of the Gospels;

Let us see the Good Shepherd who knows each one of us, watches over us and calls us by name;

Allow us to listen to the incomparable Master who presents His doctrine and wishes to enlighten us in all
things.

ALL: Let us touch the Savior whose contact heals, and transforms bodies and souls;

Let us recognize this friend, happy to live with us and share our human existence;

Allow us to recognize the victim of Calvary who spares nothing of the gift of Himself to obtain for us
pardon and holiness.

Give us a profound attachment to Jesus in the Eucharist; that his ardent desire to remain among us be met
by our readiness to welcome Him.

LEADER: Holy Virgin, you who knew how to look at Jesus and penetrate the most profound depth of his
person:

Teach us to look at Him, to look at him at length and quietly, in the tabernacle where he is present.

Teach us to listen in silence to the words which he speaks to us and establish an intimate dialogue with
him.

ALL: Let us see the marvels which he desires to work in the depths of our souls.

Teach us to appreciate his closeness to us and the immeasurable friendship he shows us.

Help us to respond to his love with all the fire of our being, and like you, to immerse ourselves in a loving
gaze on him.
LEADER: Lord Jesus, as we contemplate on the miracle of your precious Body and Blood, help us to
revere this sacred mystery more in our daily life. May we reflect and ponder on your great love for us that
made you offer yourself as a Holy and Living Sacrifice for all. Teach us to love you in every Altar at
every Mass. May we recognize your sacred presence in Holy Communion. Most of all, help us to live in
the spirit of the wondrous sacrament of love and sacrifice for all.

You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

A: Ꭺmєn.

(All sit)

READER: From the Gospel of John. (14, 1-7)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms;
if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have
seen him.”

READER: The Gospel of the Lord.

ALL: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Reflection…

(kneel)

Prayer:

LEADER: Lord Jesus, you truly are the Way, which leads us to the Father. You are the Truth, where we
find all knowledge and wisdom we need to face everyday’s struggles. You are the Life, for without you
we are nothing. We praise you this night and thank you for the gift of your Eucharistic Presence.

You never leave us alone. You shared with us this sacred meal for us to partake, and share with others, for
our salvation. Transform us to your image, and help us to live continually according to your law. May we
continuously show our love for the holy Eucharist, which is our way, truth and life in our daily struggles
until we come to see you in eternal glory. Amen.
(We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.)

All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me

Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me

Within Thy wounds hide me

Permit me not to be separated from Thee

From the malignant enemy defend me

In the hour of my death call me

And bid me come unto Thee

That with thy Saints I may praise Thee

Forever and ever

Ꭺmєn.

Our Father,,, Hail Mary,,, Glory Be,,,

===========================

• SECOND CHURCH

(Kneel)

In the Name…

L: Let us praise the Lord,


A: and give him thanks!

LET US PRAY: (as above)

(sit)

Reader: From the Gospel of John. (15, 1-8)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,
while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already
clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can
bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart
from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and
withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words
remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear
much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Reflection…

(kneel)

Prayer:

LEADER: We are truly connected to you, Lord Jesus. Like the vine and its branches, we continually
receive the grace and life from you alone. We especially remember this in the Holy Eucharist. Your body
is the food which nourishes our spirit and makes us live more according to your will.

We pray, Jesus! Continue to nourish us in body and spirit through the Bread of Life which you provide us
in every Mass we attend. Enliven in us the sacredness of this Sacrament that we may continuously live as
what you will• Ꭺmєn.

(We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.)

All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me


Water from the side of Christ, wash me

Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me

Within Thy wounds hide me

Permit me not to be separated from Thee

From the malignant enemy defend me

In the hour of my death call me

And bid me come unto Thee

That with thy Saints I may praise Thee

Forever and ever

Ꭺmєn.

Our Father,,, Hail Mary,,, Glory Be,,,

===========================

• THIRD CHURCH

(Kneel)

In the Name…

L: Let us praise the Lord,

A: and give him thanks!

LET US PRAY: (as above)

(sit)

Reader: From the Gospel of John. (15, 9-17)


“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands,
you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have
told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love
each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not
know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my
Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and
bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my
command: Love each other. “

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Reflection…

(kneel)

Prayer:

LEADER: You loved us, Lord Jesus. You loved us until your death. You loved us as friends. You loved
us with an ultimate love. This is far greater than anything we can feel or imagine! You commanded us to
extend the same love to others, without anything in reserve. Your love remains with us in the Eucharist,
this love we receive in every Communion when we eat your precious Body and drink your sacred Blood.
This is the great manifesto of your love for us.

Teach us to show greater love for you in the Holy Sacrifice. Make us receive you in a greater disposition,
prepared and in the state of grace. Everytime we sin against you, help us to be sorry first for our iniquities
before we accept you in Communion. Make every moment a loving one with your divine presence in us.
And when the priest tells us, Ite, Missa Est, guide us as we become a living Eucharist of love to our
brothers and sisters, even to the point of offering our lives for you and for them• Ꭺmєn.

(We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.)

All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me

Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me


Within Thy wounds hide me

Permit me not to be separated from Thee

From the malignant enemy defend me

In the hour of my death call me

And bid me come unto Thee

That with thy Saints I may praise Thee

Forever and ever

Ꭺmєn.

Our Father,,, Hail Mary,,, Glory Be,,,

===========================

• FOURTH CHURCH

(Kneel)

In the Name…

L: Let us praise the Lord,

A: and give him thanks!

LET US PRAY: (Page 01)

(sit)

Reader: From the Gospel of John. (15, 18-27)

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love
you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is
why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If
they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me If I had not
come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their
sin. He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else did, they
would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and
my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’

“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out
from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the
beginning.

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Reflection…

(kneel)

Prayer:

LEADER: Throughout the years, Lord Jesus, a lot of people showed their hatred towards your Eucharistic
presence. Sacrileges done inside and outside the Church offended you so much. Many were led astray due
to their false interpretations of the Sacrament which you alone provide. This gave much offense to your
Eucharistic Presence, dear Lord.

Accept our sincere act of repentance for these and others wrongdoings of the world, Lord Jesus. We
promise to express our deep concern and love for this memorial of your saving work for us. This might
lead us to become the enemies of the world, but we know you’ll never leave us and that you’ll provide the
Consoling Spirit that will make us energized and prepared to defend your precious Body in words and
actions. Guide us, O Lord. We depend on your providence• Ꭺmєn.

(We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.)

All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me

Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me

Within Thy wounds hide me


Permit me not to be separated from Thee

From the malignant enemy defend me

In the hour of my death call me

And bid me come unto Thee

That with thy Saints I may praise Thee

Forever and ever

Ꭺmєn.

Our Father,,, Hail Mary,,, Glory Be,,,

===========================

• FIFTH CHURCH

(Kneel)

In the Name…

L: Let us praise the Lord,

A: and give him thanks!

LET US PRAY: (as above)

(sit)

Reader: From the Gospel of John. (17, 1-5)

Jesus lifted his eyes toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your
Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all
those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to
do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!


Reflection…

(kneel)

Prayer:

LEADER: Jesus, we feel your great glory in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the sacrament of
“Thanksgiving”. In your death and resurrection, you gave new life to the world, and likewise you
manifested your glory over all things. You never left us empty-handed for in the Holy Mass you continue
to manifest this glorious wonder to all believers.

May we be continuously strengthened by this glory – the Glory of God in our midst through the
Sacrament of Divine Love. May you continue to shine in glory in ever Mass we attend, in every sacred
host we receive. May we be glorified as well when we take you into ourselves. Transform our weak
bodies into glorified bodies like yours. And when death comes, call us to be in total happiness with you in
the Kingdom in Heaven where you live and reign forever• Ꭺmєn.

(We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.)

All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me

Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me

Within Thy wounds hide me

Permit me not to be separated from Thee

From the malignant enemy defend me

In the hour of my death call me

And bid me come unto Thee

That with thy Saints I may praise Thee


Forever and ever

Ꭺmєn.

Our Father,,, Hail Mary,,, Glory Be,,,

===========================

• SIXTH CHURCH

(Kneel)

In the Name…

L: Let us praise the Lord,

A: and give him thanks!

LET US PRAY: (Page 01)

(sit)

Reader: From the Gospel of John. (17, 6-19)

Jesus lifted his eyes toward heaven and prayed: “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of
the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that
everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they
accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. I pray
for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is
yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no
longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of
your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I
protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed
to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the
full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they
are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world
but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify
them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For
them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”

The Gospel of the Lord.


All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Reflection…

(kneel)

Prayer:

LEADER: Lord Jesus, you are the eternal High Priest. In your sacrifice in Calvary, you gave a perfect
sacrifice which is sufficient for every time and place. Through the hands of the priest, you continuously
give yourself to us, and at the same time offer yourself to the Father.

We now pray and offer to you all your priests who tirelessly give us your Body and Blood in every Mass
we attend. Unworthy as they may be, keep them pure and worthy in mind, word and deed for them to
really celebrate the Sacrament of Love in persona Christi Capitis. Deliver them from every possible
temptation, and may they and their ministry inspire others to live a holy and pure life as you did here on
Earth• Ꭺmєn.

(We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.)

All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me

Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me

Within Thy wounds hide me

Permit me not to be separated from Thee

From the malignant enemy defend me

In the hour of my death call me

And bid me come unto Thee

That with thy Saints I may praise Thee


Forever and ever

Ꭺmєn.

Our Father,,, Hail Mary,,, Glory Be,,,

===========================

• SEVENTH CHURCH

(Kneel)

In the Name…

L: Let us praise the Lord,

A: and give him thanks!

LET US PRAY: (Page 01)

(sit)

Reader: From the Gospel of John. (17, 6-19)

Jesus lifted his eyes to Heaven and prayed: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who
will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I
am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them
the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be
brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have
loved me.

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you
have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the
world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to
them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and
that I myself may be in them.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Reflection…
(kneel)

Prayer:

LEADER: Lord Jesus, you are in the Father, just as he is in you. In the Holy Eucharist, you continuously
manifest your total unity with us. This is one big grace that no mere mortal can understand, except for
those enlightened by your Word and Grace.

We pray you, Lord! May we be one with you and the Father in every Mass we participate. May we feel
that we are never alone when we receive you in Communion; that you dwell deep within us. Make us feel
loved, strengthened, sanctified. Never leave us after which, and guide us that you may be manifested in us
every time we communicate and work with others. May we be Eucharistic People, a people of glory
chosen for your service and divine mission here in Earth• Ꭺmєn.

(We shall spend this time for our personal prayer.)

All: Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me

Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me

Within Thy wounds hide me

Permit me not to be separated from Thee

From the malignant enemy defend me

In the hour of my death call me

And bid me come unto Thee

That with thy Saints I may praise Thee

Forever and ever

Ꭺmєn.
Our Father,,, Hail Mary,,, Glory Be,,,

• Closing Prayers

Praises of God (By Saint Francis)

You are holy, Lord, the only God,

and Your deeds are wonderful.

You are strong.

You are great.

You are the Most High.

You are Almighty.

You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.

You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.

You are Good, all Good, supreme Good, Lord God, living and true.

You are love. You are wisdom.

You are humility. You are endurance.

You are rest. You are peace.

You are joy and gladness.

You are justice and moderation.

You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.

You are beauty.

You are gentleness.

You are our protector.


You are our guardian and defender.

You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.

You are our faith, our great consolation.

You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,

God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.

ADORATION

(For each invocation the response is: *To you be praise and glory forever)

Body of Christ conceived of the Blessed Virgin Mary*

Body of Christ, sacrificed on the cross*

Body of Christ, risen from the tomb*

Blood of Christ, price of our ransom*

Blood of Christ, the seal of new alliance*

Blood of Christ, drink of eternal life*

Heart of Christ, pierced through with the lance*

Heart of Christ, rich in mercy*

Heart of Christ, source of love*

(For each invocation the response is: *Give us your salvation)

Living Bread come down from heaven*

Living Word of the Father*

Giver of the Holy Spirit*

Bridegroom of Holy Church*


Redeemer of the world*

Friend of the young and the poor*

When You come on the last day*

Let us pray (All):

Lord Jesus Christ, You gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of your suffering and death.

May our worship of this sacrament of your body and blood

help us to experience the salvation you won for us and the peace of the kingdom where you live with the
Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever• Ꭺmєn.

L: Divínum auxílium máneat semper nobíscum.

A: Ꭺmєn.

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit• Ꭺmєn.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS:

by St. Francis of Assisi

(Said every Wednesday and Friday of Lent)

Kneeling before the altar, make an Act of Contrition, and form the intention of gaining the indulgences,
whether for yourself or for the souls in Purgatory.

• Preparatory Prayer

Most merciful Lord, * with a contrite heart and penitent spirit * I bow down before Thy divine Majesty. *
I adore Thee as my supreme Lord and Master. * I believe in Thee, * I hope in Thee, * I love Thee above
all things. * I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, * my only and supreme God. * I firmly resolve
to amend my life; * and although I am unworthy to obtain mercy, * yet looking upon Thy holy Cross * I
am filled with peace and consolation. * I will, therefore, meditate on Thy sufferings, * and visit the
Stations * in company with Thy sorrowful Mother * and my holy Guardian Angel, * to promote Thy
honor and to save my soul. *

I desire to gain all indulgences granted to this holy exercise * for myself and for the souls in Purgatory. *
O Loving Jesus, * inflame my cold heart with Thy love, * that I may perform this devotion as perfectly as
possible, * and that I may live and die in union with Thee. Amen.

■ First Station – Jesus Is Condemned to Death

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Jesus, the most innocent of beings, is condemned to death, yes, to the shameful death of the cross. In
order to remain a friend of Caesar, Pilate delivers Jesus into the hands of His enemies. O fearful crime, to
condemn Innocence to death and to displease God in order to please men.

O innocent Jesus, * I have sinned and I am guilty of eternal death; * but that I may Live, * Thou dost
gladly accept the unjust sentence of death. * For whom then shall I henceforth live * if not for Thee, my
Lord? * If I desire to please men, * I can not be Thy servant. * Let me, therefore, rather displease the
whole world * than not please Thee, O Jesus!

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.

R. Have mercy on us. Through her heart, His sorrow sharing, All His bitter anguish bearing, Now at
length the sword had passed.

■ Second Station – Jesus Carries His Cross

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

When our divine Redeemer beheld the Cross, He most willingly reached out to it with His bleeding arms.
He embraced it lovingly, kissed it tenderly, took it on His bruised shoulders, and, exhausted as He was,
He carried it joyfully.

O my Jesus, * I can not be Thy friend and follower * if I refuse to carry my cross. * O beloved cross, * I
embrace Thee, * I kiss Thee, * I joyfully accept Thee from the hand of my God. * Far be it from me to
glory in anything * save in the Cross of my Lord and Redeemer. * By it the world shall be crucified to
me, * and I to the world, * that I may be Thine forever.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.


R. Have mercy on us. O, how sad and sore distressed Was that Mother, highly blest, Of the sole begotten
One!

■ Third Station – Jesus Falls the First Time

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Carrying the Cross, our dear Savior was so weakened with its heavy weight that He fell exhausted to the
ground. The Cross was light and sweet to Him, but our sins made it so heavy and hard to carry.

Beloved Jesus, * Thou didst carry the burden and the heavy weight of my sins. * Should I then not bear in
union with Thee * my light burden of suffering, * and accept the sweet yoke of Thy commandments? *
Thy yoke is sweet and Thy burden is light. * I willingly accept it. * I will take up my cross and follow
Thee.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.

R. Have mercy on us. Christ above in torment hands: She beneath beholds the pangs Of her dying
glorious Son.

■ Fourth Station – Jesus Meets His Blessed Mother

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

How sad and how painful must it have been for Mary to behold her beloved Son laden with the Cross,
covered with wounds and blood, and driven through the streets by savage executioners! What
unspeakable pangs her most tender heart must have experienced! How earnestly did she desire to die
instead of Jesus, or at least with Him!

O Jesus, * O Mary, * I am the cause of the pains that pierced your hearts. * Would that my heart might
experience some of your sufferings. * O Mother, * let me share in thy sufferings and those of they Son, *
that I may obtain the grace of a happy death.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.


R. Have mercy on us. Is there one who would not weep, Whelmed in miseries so deep, Christ’s dear
Mother to behold?

■ Fifth Station – Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Simon of Cyrene was forced to help our exhausted Savior carry His Cross. How pleased would Jesus
have been, had Simon offered his services of his own accord. However, Simon was not invited by Christ
as you are. He says: “Take up your cross and follow Me.” Nevertheless you recoil, and carry it
grudgingly.

O Jesus, * whosoever does not take up his cross and follow Thee, * is not worthy of Thee. * Behold, I
cheerfully join Thee on the way of the cross. * I desire to carry it with all patience until death, * that I
may prove worthy of Thee.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.

R. Have mercy on us. Can the human heart refrain From partaking in her pain, In that Mother’s pain
untold?

■ Sixth Station – Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Moved by compassion, Veronica presents her veil to Jesus, to wipe His disfigured face. He imprints on it
His holy countenance, and returns it to her as a recompense. Shall Christ reward you in like manner?
Then you too must do Him a service. But you do a service to Christ every time you perform a work of
mercy towards your neighbor: for He says: “What you have done to the least of My brethren, you have
done to Me.”

Dearest Jesus, * what return shall I make Thee for all Thy benefits? * Behold, I consecrate myself entirely
to Thy service. * My whole heart I give to Thee; * stamp on it Thy holy image, * that I may never forget
Thee.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.


R. Have mercy on us. Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled, She beheld her tender Child, All with bloody
scourges rent.

■ Seventh Station – Jesus Falls the Second Time

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Overwhelmed by the weight of the Cross, Jesus falls again to the ground. But the cruel executioners do
not permit Him to rest a moment. With thrusts and blows they urge Him onward. With what cruelty Jesus
in treated and trampled under foot! Remember, compassionate soul, that your sins caused Jesus this
painful fall.

Have mercy on me, O Jesus, * and help me never to fall into my former sins. * From this moment I will
strive sincerely * never to sin again. * But Thou, O Jesus, strengthen me with Thy grace, * that I may
faithfully carry out my resolution.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.

R. Have mercy on us. For the sins of His own nation, Saw Him hang in desolation Till His spirit forth He
sent.

■ Eighth Station – Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Moved by compassion, these devoted women weep over our suffering Savior. But He turns to them and
says: “Weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves and your children. Weep for your sins and those of your
children; for they are the cause of My suffering.” You also must weep over your sins, for there is nothing
more pleasing to our Lord and more useful to yourself than the tears you shed out of contrition for your
sins.

O Jesus, * who shall give my eyes a torrent of tears, * that I may day and night weep over my sins? * I
beseech Thee by Thy bitter and bloody tears * to move my heart, * so that tears may flow in abundance
from my eyes, * and that I may weep over Thy sufferings * and over my sins until death.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.


R. Have mercy on us. O thou Mother: font of love! Touch my spirit from above, Make my heart with
thine accord.

■ Ninth Station – Jesus Falls the Third Time

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Exhausted at the foot of Calvary, Jesus falls for the third time to the ground. How painfully must have
been reopened all the wounds of His tender body by these repeated falls. And how enormous must my
sins be, to cause Jesus to fall so painfully. Had not Jesus taken my sins upon Himself, they would have
plunged me into the abyss of Hell.

Most merciful Jesus, * I return Thee a thousand thanks * for not permitting me to die in my sins * and fall
into the abyss of Hell, * as I have deserved so often. * Enkindle in me a sincere desire to amend my life. *
Let me never again fall into sin, * but grant me the grace of final perseverance.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.

R. Have mercy on us. Make me feel as thou has felt; Make my soul to glow and melt, With the love of
Christ my Lord.

■ Tenth Station – Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Arriving on Calvary, Jesus was cruelly deprived of His garments. How painful the stripping must have
been, because the garments adhered to His mangled body, so that in removing them parts of the flesh
were torn away. Jesus is deprived of His garments that He may die possessed of nothing. How happy
shall not I die after laying aside my evil habits and tendencies!

Help me, O Jesus, to amend my life. * Let it be renewed according to Thy will and desire. * However
painful the correction may be to me, * I will not spare myself. * With the assistance of Thy grace, * I will
refrain from all sinful pleasure and vain amusement, * that I may die happy and live forever.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.


R. Have mercy on us. Holy Mother, pierce me through; In my heart each wound renew Of my Savior
crucified.

■ Eleventh Station – Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Stripped of His garments, Jesus is violently thrown down on the Cross. His hands and His feet are nailed
to it in the most cruel way. Jesus remains silent, because it so pleases His heavenly Father. He suffers
patiently, because He suffers for you. How do you act in sufferings and trials? How fretful and impatient,
how full of complaints are you!

O Jesus, * meek and patient Lamb, * I renounce forever my impatience. * Crucify, O Lord, my flesh, *
with its evil desires and vices. * Punish and afflict me in this life, * but spare me in the next. * I resign
myself altogether to Thy holy will. * May it be done in all things.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.

R. Have mercy on us. Let me share with Thee His pain, Who for all my sins was slain, Who for me in
torment died.

■ Twelfth Station – Jesus Dies on the Cross

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Behold Jesus crucified! Behold His wounds received for love of you! His whole appearance betokens
love. His head is bent to kiss you. His arms are extended to embrace you. His heart is open to receive you.
Oh what love! Jesus dies on the Cross, to preserve you from eternal death.

Most lovable Jesus, * who will grant that I may die for love of Thee? * I will endeavor to die to the world
and its vanities * when I behold Thee on the Cross * covered with wounds and crowned with thorns. *
Merciful Jesus, * take me into Thy wounded heart, * that I may despise all perishable things, * to live and
die for Thee alone.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.


R. Have mercy on us. Let me mingle tears with thee, Mourning Him who mourned for me, All the days
that I may live.

■ Thirteenth Station – Jesus Is Taken Down From the Cross

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

Jesus did not descend from the Cross, but remained on it till His death. When taken down, He rested on
the bosom of His beloved Mother as He had so often done in life. Persevere in your good resolutions, and
do not flee from the cross. For he who perseveres till the end shall be saved. Consider, moreover, how
pure the heart should be that receives the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the adorable Sacrament of the
Altar.

O Lord Jesus crucified! * I most earnestly entreat Thee: * Help me do what is right * and let me not be
separated from Thy Cross, * for on it I desire to live and to die. * Create in me, O Lord, a clean heart, *
that I may worthily receive Thee in Holy Communion, and that Thou mayest remain in me, * and I in
Thee, * for all eternity.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.

V. Lord Jesus, crucified.

R. Have mercy on us. By the cross with thee to stay; There with thee to weep and pray Is all I ask of thee
to give.

■ Fourteenth Station – Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

The body of Jesus is laid in a stranger’s tomb. He Who in this world had not whereon to rest His head,
would have no grave of His own after death. You whose heart is still attached to this world, despise it that
you may not perish with it.

O Jesus, * Thou hast singled me out from the world, * what then shall I seek in it? * Thou hast created me
for Heaven, * what then shall I desire upon earth? * Depart from me, deceitful world, with thy vanities!
Henceforth I will walk the way of the Cross * traced out for me by my Redeemer, * and journey onward
to my heavenly home, * where my rest and my joy shall be forever.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.


V. Lord Jesus, crucified.

R. Have mercy on us. Virgin of all virgins best, Listen to my fond request: Let me share thy grief divine.

Prayer Before a Crucifix

Look down upon me, good and gently Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly kneel; and with burning soul
pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, true contrition
for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment. While with great love and tender pity I contemplate Thy
five wounds, pondering over them within me, calling to mind the words which David, Thy prophet, said
of Thee, my Jesus: “They have pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones.”

O Salutaris

O salutaris Hostia!

Quae coeli pandis ostium,

Bella premunt hostilia,

Da roburm, fer auxilium.

Uni trinoque Domino

Sit sempiterna gloria,

Qui vitam sine termino

Nobis donet in patria. Amen.

Tantum Ergo

Tantum ergo Sacramentum

Veneremur cernui,

Et antiquum documentum

Novo cedat ritui;

Praestet fides supplementum


Sensuum defectui.

Genitori Genitoque

Laus et jubilatio

Salus, honor, virtus quoque

Sit et benedictio,

Procedenti ab utroque

Compar sit laudatio. Amen.

V. Panem de coelo praestitisti eis,

R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem.

Prayer

Oremus. Deus qui nobis sub Sacramento mirabili passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus,
ita nos Corporis et Sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari; ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis jugiter
sentiamus: Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

O God, Who in this wonderful Sacrament, hast left us a memorial of Thy Passion, grant us, we beseech
Thee, so to reverence the sacred Mysteries of Thy Body and Blood, that our souls may be always sensible
of the fruit of Thy Redemption. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

Divine Praises

Blessed be God.

Blessed be His Holy Name.

Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.

Blessed be the Name of Jesus!

Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart!

Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar!


Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy!

Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception!

Blessed be her glorious Assumption!

Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother!

Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse!

Blessed be God in His Angels and in His Saints!

Indulgences

The Stations of the Cross constitute a major devotion in the Catholic World. They surround the various
Sacred places which were personally sanctified by the sufferings and death of our Divine Savior.

Originally, this pious practice was limited to Jerusalem and its environs. Gradually it became universal as
several Popes granted plenary and partial indulgences to the faithful who devoutly meditate on the Way
of the Cross.

Indulgences are:

A plenary indulgence every time the devotion is completed.

An additional plenary indulgence if one receives Holy Communion on the day.

Also an additional plenary indulgence if one performs the devotion ten times and receives Holy
Communion within a month after so doing.

A partial indulgence of ten years for every Station made if one was not able to finish the Stations.

The conditions for gaining them are:

Walking from Station to Station when making the Way of the Cross privately; when making it publicly, it
suffices for the priest with the altar boys to do so.

Meditate at each Station on the sufferings of our Lord.

These two conditions are essential. No oral prayers are prescribed; yet they are profitable.

You might also like