The Way of the Cross
Tradition holds that Jesus walked from Pilate’s praetorium to Golgatha (the Place of the Skull). The devotion known as “the way” or Stations of the Cross (Via Crucis) originated with pilgrims who walked the Via Dolorosa (the “way of tears”) in the city of Jerusalem. In 2001 the Congregation for the Discipline of the Sacraments issued the document, Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (DPPL). In referring to this devotion, this document states the following: “In the Via Crucis, various strands of Christian piety coalesce: the idea of life as being journey or pilgrimage; as a passage from earthly exile to our true home in Heaven; the deep desire to be conformed to the Passion of Christ, which imply that his disciples must follow behind their Master, daily carrying their own crosses (cf. Luke 9, 23).”
1. JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH. Christ, help us to lead a better life and to seek your will. 2. JESUS BEARS HIS CROSS. Lord, we join you in your journey of suffering. 3. JESUS FALLS FOR THE FIRST TIME. Christ, help us who fall into sinful ways; teach us to rise with you. 4. JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER. Lord, we implore your mother to console us who mourn. 5. JESUS IS HELPED BY SIMON. Christ, help as we try to do your work in our world. 6. VERONICA WIPES HIS FACE. Lord, help us as we help others. 7. JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME. Christ, teach us the healing power of penance.	8. JESUS SPEAKS TO THE WOMEN. Lord, help us to comfort those who have no one to help them. 9. JESUS FALLS A THIRD TIME. Christ, teach us the joy of obedience. 10. JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS. Lord, help us to model your life of holiness. 11. JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS. Christ, draw us closer to you from this day forward. 12. JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS. Lord, we pray that you will be with us at our hour of death. 13. HE IS TAKEN FROM THE CROSS. Christ, open our hearts to the beauty of your love for us. 14. HE IS LAID IN THE TOMB. Lord, help us to walk in your ways all the days of our lives.