Solemn Way of the Cross & Procession

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• In many cultures, participants in Holy Week processions customarily wear black or other somber attire. We invite you to join in this tradition for this time of Lenten prayer.
• The praying of the stations will be in Spanish. However, we will do our best to provide booklets for English-speaking participants.
• We invite you to bring white flowers and greenery, such as lilies, roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, ruscus, or palm leaves to be used to decorate the Abbey church for the Easter Vigil.

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2026 Reflections Written by Monks
of Mount Angel Abbey

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Start of the Way of the Cross

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MC. Brothers and sisters, we welcome you here this morning. We are gathered here to unite ourselves in prayer according to the ancient tradition of the Church of Rome, by meditating on the Way of the Cross. The procession with the relic of the holy cross will start here and end in front of the Abbey church. At the end of the procession, unlike other occasions, there will be no gathering for refreshments due to the Good Friday fast, but you are welcome to join the monks for midday prayer in the church. We thank all those who have helped make this time of prayer together possible, but in a special way we thank our oblates. Now let us begin our prayer.

C. Oh God, come to my assistance.
P. Oh Lord, make haste to help me.
C. Glory be to the Father…
P. As it was… Amen.

A. A plenary indulgence is granted to all who participate in the Way of the Cross and meet these conditions:
* Be detached from all sin.
* Receive Holy Communion.
* Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
* Pray for the Pope and his intentions.
A partial indulgence is granted to those who do not meet all of these requirements.

C. We offer all the graces we receive from this Way of the Cross for peace among the nations of the world (especially in the Middle East and Ukraine), for peace in our nation, for the unity of the Roman Church, for union among all Christians, and for all the intentions that we carry in our hearts. In a special way, let us pray for Pope Leo and his intentions.

A. Let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope Leo.
L. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

C. Our Father…
P. Give us this day…
C. Hail Mary…
P. Holy Mary…
C. Glory be to the Father…
P. As it was… Amen.

A. Let us listen to the Word of the Lord.

C. From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
(Matt 27:1-2, 15-17)
When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus, to put him to death. And they took him bound, and handed him over to Pontius Pilate, the governor. Now, on the day of the festival, the governor used to release a prisoner to the people, whoever they wanted. They had a famous prisoner named Barabbas. So, when they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called the Christ?”

Brief silence
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.
Silence until the first station.

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First Station

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L. First Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ is condemned to death.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. “Who do you want me to set free, Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called the Christ?”
P. “Who do you want me to set free, Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called the Christ?”
(Psalm 57:1-3)
L. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me;
Because in you my soul has trusted,
And in the shadow of your wings I will protect myself
Until this calamity passes by.

P. “Who do you want me to set free, Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called the Christ?”

L. I will cry out to the Most High God, to the God who favors me.
He will send from the heavens, and he will save me
From the infamy of the one who harasses me;
God will send his mercy and truth.

P. “Who do you want me to set free, Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called the Christ?”

L. From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
(Matt 27:22-26)
Pilate said to them, “And what shall I do with Jesus, who is called the Christ?” All answered: “Crucify him!” Pilate insisted: “What has he done wrong?” But they cried out louder and louder: “Let him be crucified!” Pilate, realizing that he was not achieving anything, but rather increasing the commotion, asked for water and washed his hands in front of the people, and said to them: “You will answer for his blood, it is not my fault. And all the people answered: “May his blood fall on us and on our children!” Then Pilate released Barabbas for them. He had Jesus whipped and handed him over to those who were to crucify him.

O. (brief reflection)
The Old Adam was rightly condemned to death for his disobedience since what was asked of him did not surpass his nature. The New Adam, Christ, though innocent, has accepted to be condemned to death for obedience to the Father’s will, and by doing so has manifested the true purpose of man. For it was not the New Adam who was made in the image of the Old Adam, but the Old Adam who was made in the image of God, Christ, the New Adam, the perfectly obedient One, who humbled Himself and obeyed unto death. Thus, obedience to the Father’s will is possible to all of us.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray
(Brief silence)
Lord, Father Almighty, who calls us to unite our wills to your will, and our actions to your work; grant all those in your Holy Church purity of heart so that we may be cooperators of your Kingdom. Through Christ, our Lord.
P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn (the first time only the Schola, the second all).

Pardon, oh my God
Forgiveness and indulgence
Forgiveness and clemency
Forgiveness and mercy (repeat)

(Schola only)
I have sinned and my soul confesses its guilt
a thousand times it weighs me down for so much evil

A thousand times it weighs me down for having rejected
your pierced heart, O God of kindness!

(Everyone)
Pardon, oh my God
Forgiveness and indulgence
Forgiveness and clemency
Forgiveness and mercy (repeat)

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Second Station

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L. Second Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ carries the Cross.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. “Crucify him!” “Let him be crucified!”
P. “Crucify him!” “Let him be crucified!”
(Psalm 25:1-2, 15-17)
L. To You, O Lord, I will lift up my soul.
My God, I trust in you;
Let me not be put to shame,
Do not let my enemies rejoice over me.

P. “Crucify him!” “Let him be crucified!”

L. My eyes are always towards the Lord;
Because he will free my feet from the net.
Look at me, and have mercy on me;
Because I am alone and afflicted.
The anguish of my heart has increased:
Remove me from my sorrows.

P. “Crucify him!” “Let him be crucified!”

L. From the Holy Gospel according to Mark.
(Mark 15:16-20)
At that time, the soldiers took (Jesus Christ) into the court, that is, the praetorium, and they summoned the whole company. And they dressed him in purple, and putting on him a crown woven of thorns, they began to salute him: Hail, King of the Jews! And they hit him on the head with a cane, and spat on him, and knelt down and bowed to him. After they mocked him, they stripped him of his purple garment, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

O. (brief reflection)
There are those who follow Jesus, who is Christ the King, who leads all who believe in Him to service in the eternal joy of His heavenly kingdom. However, there are those like the Roman soldiers who follow their own will and serve their own earthly kingdoms, taunting those whom they deem lower than themselves.

When we envision Jesus Christ alone and afflicted from the humiliation of the Roman soldiers, we are reminded of those who are in most need of our assistance. How often do we pass by others who are dejected? We are each called to serve the Lord in the suffering of others, whether by providing the homeless with food and clothing, defending our coworker in the midst of ridicule at work, or helping our own children struggling in their school work. Let us not follow the Roman soldiers into the earthly kingdom, but fix our eyes on the Lord and follow Him into His heavenly kingdom.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray.
(Brief silence)
O God, you gave us your only Son who in spite of the humiliation He faced gave Himself to us as our King. Instill in us the courage needed to serve Him in others with joy so we may all share in the abundance of your glory. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn (the first time only the Schola, the second all).

Pardon, oh my God
Forgiveness and indulgence
Forgiveness and clemency
Forgiveness and mercy (repeat)

(Schola only)
I was the one who, with vile impiety,
caused you to hang from the hard, inclement wood.

You poured out your love for me in torment,
And gave me a garment of love and humility.

(Everyone)
Pardon, oh my God
Forgiveness and indulgence
Forgiveness and clemency
Forgiveness and mercy (repeat)

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Third Station

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L. Third Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ falls the first time.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. And they hit him on the head… and spat on him.
P. And they hit him on the head… and spat on him.
(Psalm 35:15-16,22,24)
L. But they rejoiced in my adversity, and gathered together;
Assailants gathered against me without my knowledge.
They tore me to pieces, and did not stop;
Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked me;
they gnashed their teeth at me.

P. And they hit him on the head… and spat on him.

L. You have seen it, O Lord; do not be silent:
Lord, do not go away from me.
Judge me according to your justice, Lord my God;
And do not let them make fun of me.

P. And they hit him on the head… and spat on him.

L. From the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
(Is 53:4-5)
Indeed, he bore our infirmities, and suffered our pains; and we considered him scourged, wounded by God and miserable. But he was wounded for our rebellions, crushed for our sins; the punishment for our peace was upon him, and by his wounds we have been healed.

O. (brief reflection)
Jesus, the Just One, offers Himself to be crushed by the weight of our injustices, and is mocked for this by His own people. The psalmist’s words are fulfilled in Him: They tore me to pieces, and did not stop; like the ungodly, they maliciously mocked me. When we suffer the consequences of others’ sins, the world will tell us to get ahead and get even. God never calls us to passively accept abuse, but He does call us to be just in a world filled with injustice. Like Jesus, we accept the consequences of being faithful when others are not — this is bearing wrongs patiently, a work of mercy. Others may laugh and consider us weak. But we pray with Jesus: You have seen it, O Lord; do not be silent: Lord, do not go away from me. Judge me according to your justice, Lord my God.

God’s justice is the death and Resurrection of Jesus, the definitive victory of goodness over the powerful forces of sin. By remaining faithful with Him even when we suffer, we will share in that victory. He gives us the courage to do so, for by His wounds we have been healed.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray.
(Brief silence)
All-powerful and ever-living God, You sent your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to bear our infirmities and to save us from sin and death. Grant, we pray, that all your faithful people, especially your ordained ministers, may have the courage to bear the wrongs of others without sin, trusting in your justice and in Him by whose wounds we have been healed. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn (the first time only the Schola, the second all).

Pardon, oh my God
Forgiveness and indulgence
Forgiveness and clemency
Forgiveness and mercy (repeat)

(Schola only)
And as a reward, sin by sin,
I have filled the cup with iniquity

Already repentant, I look for you, weeping.
O loving Father, O God of Kindness!
(Everyone)
Pardon, oh my God
Forgiveness and indulgence
Forgiveness and clemency
Forgiveness and mercy (repeat)

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Fourth Station

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L. Fourth Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ meets his mother.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. He bore our infirmities, and suffered our pains.
P. He bore our infirmities, and suffered our pains.
(Psalm 31:1-2)
L. In you, Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me.

P. He bore our infirmities, and suffered our pains.

L. Incline your ear to me,
make haste to rescue me!
Be my rock of refuge,
A stronghold to save me.

P. He bore our infirmities, and suffered our pains.

L. From the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
(Lk 2:34-35, 51)
Simeon said to his mother, Mary: “Behold, this (your son) is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that will be contradicted (and a sword will pierce your very soul), so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” His mother kept all these things in her heart.

O. (brief reflection)
A Son meets his mother. A mother meets her son. While apart, they are both in deep distress. But in this meeting of heart and soul, even in this most difficult and painful time in their lives, they are able to bring comfort to one another.

Who in my life is facing a difficult trial and may need my comforting support? Or maybe that person is me, and I need someone to comfort me. It is tempting in our wounds to hide and isolate ourselves from others, but this will only bring us deeper into sorrow and shame. Our Blessed Mother and Jesus give us an example of that perfect love which casts out fear, and heals the parts of our lives that are in need of healing because of their deep love for one another. Jesus said at the Last Supper: “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” We are called to share that love with our brothers and sisters in need, and not shy away when love is extended to me in my sufferings.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray
(Brief silence)
Almighty and Eternal Father, who sent your Son into the world to reconcile a fallen humanity lost in their sins, made possible through the loving witness and fidelity of the Blessed Virgin, look kindly on us, your children, so that we may no longer be trapped in the snares that keep us from you, but may experience the freedom you have so desired for us. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn

At the Cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last:

Through her heart, his sorrow sharing,
All his bitter anguish bearing,
now at length the sword has pass’d.

Oh, how sad and sore distress’d
Was that Mother highly blest
Of the sole-begotten One!

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Fifth Station

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L. Fifth Station: Simon helps Our Lord Jesus Christ carry the Cross.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. He is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel.
P. He is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel.
(Psalm 69:13, 29-30)
L. But I will pray to you, O Lord,
at the time of your good will:
O God, by the multitude of your mercy, answer me
with your sure deliverance.

P. He is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel.

L. And to me, afflicted and in pain,
Your salvation, oh God, will defend me.
I will praise the name of God with canticles,
I will lift them up with praise.
P. He is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel.

L. From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
(Matt 27:31-32)
The centurions took Jesus to crucify him. As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene named Simon; they forced him to carry the cross.

O. (brief reflection)
Upon entering the holy city after the month-long pilgrimage from Cyrene, Simon, with his family, sees a crowd jeering at a man struggling to carry a large cross with Roman soldiers forcing him to advance although he can barely walk. Simon immediately looks for another way to ascend to the temple, yet there is not a road for him to deviate in order to bypass the commotion. He gathers his wife and children to the side of the road to keep them out of the way of the violent mob. He does his best to look down and not be noticed by the crowd or the soldiers as they pass by. The road is narrow and the crowd begins pushing on them. He is hit hard by one of the soldiers with whom he makes eye contact. Before he can realize what is happening, the soldier grabs him and forces him to carry the cross, covered in blood. He is shocked and repulsed. Then he sees the man, his face disfigured, yet looking at him with the most merciful gaze he has ever experienced. His heart is pierced with love and he is strengthened to carry the burden of that cross with great peace.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray.
(Brief silence)
Most Merciful Father, your Son, Jesus Christ, invites us to take up His cross, grant we pray, that like Simon of Cyrene, we may have the courage and peace to pick up that cross daily, denying ourselves, and living to do your will. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn

Christ above in torment hangs;
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep,
Whelm’d in miseries so deep,
Christ’s dear Mother to behold?

Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that Mother’s pain untold?

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Sixth Station

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L. Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. And they took him to crucify him.
P. And they took him to crucify him.
(Psalm 20:1-2, 7)
L. May the Lord answer you in the time of your distress;
May the Name of the God of Jacob defend you!
May He send you help from the sanctuary,
from Zion to be your support.

P. And they took him to crucify him.

L. Now I know the Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He will answer him from the holy heavens
with a strong arm that brings victory.

P. And they took him to crucify him.

L. From the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
(Is 53:2-3)
He had no majestic bearing to catch our eye, nor beauty to draw us to him. He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, knowing pain, like one from whom you turn your face, spurned, and we held him in no esteem.

O. (brief reflection)
Veronica has received an image of the Holy Face. This image is a testimony to the historicity of our Lord. Because He, indeed, took on human nature, it was possible to make an image of his human face; and since He was true God and True Man, we can rightly say this is the image of the face of God. Every image of Jesus reminds us of this truth, that the Word of God, who existed before all, took on our humanity, and that this was real. We can make images of Him, because we can depict His humanity that He has joined to His divinity without mixture or separation. Nonetheless, in a way, we are making an image of the Image. This humanity that He took is the True Image of God. In this Image, our Father Adam was made. In this Image, all of us are made. Every human being, regardless of our differences, shares in the Christic Image of God and this is reason enough for us to treat all humans with equal dignity.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray
(Brief silence)
Lord, God, Father of all peoples, turn your eyes toward us and see the peoples who are not treated with the dignity of human beings, especially the oppressed immigrants and the persecuted for religious believes; change our hearts, so that we may strive for treating all peoples with the dignity of those who are made in your Image. Through Christ, our Lord.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn

Bruis’d, derided, curs’d, defil’d,
She beheld her tender Child
All with bloody scourges rent;

For the sins of his own nation,
Saw him hang in desolation,
Till his Spirit forth he sent.

O thou Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above,
Make my heart with thine accord.

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Seventh Station

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L. Seventh Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ falls the second time.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. We will see him… Despised and rejected among men.
P. We will see him… Despised and rejected among men.
(Psalm 56:1-3, 11)
L. My God, have mercy on me,
because there are people capable of devouring me.
All the time they oppress me and fight me;
all the time my enemies trample me;

P. We will see him… Despised and rejected among men.

L. There are many arrogant people who attack me!
But, when I am afraid, I trust in you.
I trust in you, my God, and I am not afraid;
What can a mere mortal do to me?

P. We will see him… Despised and rejected among men.

L. From the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
(Is 52:13-15)
Behold, my servant will be lifted up, he will be exalted and he will be set high. As many were amazed at you, so was his appearance marred by men, and his beauty more than that of the sons of men, so he will astonish many nations… because they will see what was never told to them, and they will understand what they had never heard.

O. (brief reflection)
How great was the humility of Christ. Who being all powerful and holy, took on the ugliness and consequences of sin. To the point of succumbing under the weight of the cross not once but now a second time. That we might receive strength to rise whenever we fall into sin, Our Lord took on our weakness. Giving us an example to follow after him and rise from our sins. Let us not grow weary under the temptations of sin but rather ask for the strength of Christ as we follow after him.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray
(Brief silence)
God all-powerful, who took on our human weakness, grant us the strength needed to follow after you faithfully everyday of our lives. You who live and reign forever and ever.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn

Make me feel as thou hast felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ my Lord.

Holy Mother! pierce me through;
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified:

Let me share with thee his pain,
Who for all my sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.

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Eighth Station

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L. Eighth Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ meets the women of Jerusalem.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. They will see what was never told to them, and they will understand what they had never heard.
P. They will see what was never told to them, and they will understand what they had never heard.
(Psalm 34:15, 17, 19-20)
L. The Lord does not take his eyes off the righteous one;
his ears are ever attentive to his cry.
The righteous groan, and the Lord hears them
and he delivers them out of all their troubles.

P. They will see what was never told to them, and they will understand what they had never heard.

L. The righteous one goes through many afflictions,
but the Lord delivers him from all of them.
The Lord cares for each of his bones,
and not one of them will be broken.

P. They will see what was never told to them, and they will understand what they had never heard.

L. From the Holy Gospel according to Luke.
(Lk 23:27-31)
A great crowd of people followed him (Jesus), including women who wept and lamented for him. But Jesus, turning towards them, said to them: Daughters of Jerusalem, do not cry for me, but cry for yourselves and for your children. For behold, days will come when they will say: Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that did not conceive, and the breasts that did not nurse. Then they will begin to say to the mountains: Fall on us; and to the hills: Cover us. Because if they do these things to the green tree, what will not be done to the dry tree?

O. (brief reflection)
Our Lord, even in the midst of torture and humiliation, has his heart fixed on those He loves. He exhorts the Daughters of Jerusalem not to cry for Him, but rather for themselves and their children. For He, although suffering, is still the green tree, the tree of life, which sustains the life connected to him. He knows that His petitions will be heard by His Father, and that He will rise on the third day to give life to those who follow Him. The green tree will be cared for and watered. But, says the Lord, “if they do these things to the green tree, what will not be done to the dry?” What will not be done to trees that are dying, and not producing fruit? They will be cut down to be used as inanimate things or as firewood for they have lost any other purpose. If we heed this warning and apply it to our spiritual lives, we will realize we are the dry tree when we separate ourselves from the green tree. And although when we are connected to the green tree there is pruning, an abundance of fruit follows from these pains. But, if we fall and become as a dry tree, as long as we are in this world we can still produce light, and be reunited to life if by burning we give our nutrients to the soil. In, other words, brothers and sisters, let us burn our dying parts through penance, and pray that the Lord will reunite us with Him and fix our hearts on Him in life.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray
(Brief silence)
Lord, God Almighty, who through your only-begotten Son’s passion have called us to be united with you in life, grant us the zeal and courage to separate ourselves from our vices and follow your Son in his path to the cross so that your wish will be fulfilled in our lives. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn

Let me mingle tears with thee,
Mourning him who mourn’d for me,
All the days that I may live:

By the Cross with thee to stay;
There with thee to weep and pray;
Is all I ask of thee to give.

Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share thy grief divine;

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Ninth Station

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L. Ninth Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ falls a third time.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. If they do these things to the green tree, what will not be done to the dry tree?
P. If they do these things to the green tree, what will not be done to the dry tree?
(Psalm 41:5, 7-8, 10-11)
L. My enemies speak evil against me, asking:
When will he die, and his name perish?
Assembled they murmur against me, all who hate me;
They think evil against me, saying of me…
he who fell… will never rise again.

P. If they do these things to the green tree, what will not be done to the dry tree?

L. But you, O Lord, have mercy on me, and make me rise,
And I will give them what they deserve.
In this I will know that I have pleased you,
In that my enemy does not sing victory over me.

P. If they do these things to the green tree, what will not be done to the dry tree?

L. From the book of the Prophet Isaiah.
(Is 53:7, 10-11)
He was distressed and afflicted, he did not open his mouth; as a lamb he was led to the slaughter; and like a sheep before its shearers, he was silent, and opened not his mouth. With all that, the Lord wanted to break him, subjecting him to suffering. When he has put his life in atonement for sin, he will see lineage, he will live for long days, and the will of the Lord will be in his prosperous hand. He will see the fruit of the affliction of his soul, and he will be satisfied; by his knowledge, my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

O. (brief reflection)
What quiet and steadfast humility and love did our Lord show, even as he fell from the weight of our sins a third time! The weight of the wood of the cross was nothing compared to the burden caused by our offenses against God’s overflowing generosity. He does not rebuke us. He does not point out our sins. He does not accuse us. Instead, he shows us his love by example, and awaits our hearts to turn back to him. We all struggle to see the truth behind Christ’s love and patient suffering. Because we cannot fully see, our hearts remain cold. Let us pray that Jesus warms our hearts and opens our eyes to have faith, and to endure in hope amidst the suffering and unbelieving world.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray.
(Brief silence)
Almighty God, in your Son Jesus Christ, You have called all peoples to share in your blessed life, grant us perseverance in the faith and bring all peoples to enjoy of the gift of your sanctifying grace. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn

Let me, to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of thine.

Wounded with his every wound,
Steep my soul till it hath swoon’d,
In his very blood away;

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In his awful Judgment day.

Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,
Be Thy Mother my defense,
Be Thy Cross my victory;

While my body here decays,
May my soul thy goodness praise,
Safe in Paradise with Thee.

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Tenth Station

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L. Tenth Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ is stripped of his garments.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. As a lamb he was led to the slaughter; he was silent, and opened not his mouth.
P. As a lamb he was led to the slaughter; he was silent, and opened not his mouth.
(Psalm 22:14-15, 17-18)
L. My heart turns like wax,
Melting in the middle of my guts.
Like a potsherd my vigor dried up,
And my tongue stuck to my palate,
And you have put me in the dust of death.

P. As a lamb he was led to the slaughter; he was silent, and opened not his mouth.

L. I can count all my bones;
Meanwhile, they look at me and watch me.
They divided my clothes among themselves,
And for my tunic, they cast lots.

P. As a lamb he was led to the slaughter; he was silent, and opened not his mouth.

L. From the Holy Gospel according to John
(John 19:23-24)
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and made four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic, which was seamless, woven from top to bottom. Then they said among themselves: Let’s not break it, but let’s cast lots on it, to see whose it will be. This was so that the scripture would be fulfilled, which says: They divided my clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothes.

O. (brief reflection)
Naked, our king goes to meet torture and death. Naked, because sinful men want to sell his clothing. Naked, because those in authority wish to make an example of him. He is most pitiful and shameful. How can men treat one another like this? It is because they think nothing of God. They do not consider life to be a gift, but something cheap and random. The holy man Job said, “naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there…Blessed be the name of the Lord.” That man suffered greatly, and he did not know why. People are killed unjustly every day in needless wars, they die in great numbers in horrific disasters and accidents. Can any of us say why this is? Mankind is naked underneath his reasoning, no matter how much we think we know. Perhaps we are in the right group, on the right side; but the cross comes for all of us. Suffering makes us all neighbors, calling us to clothe the naked when we see them.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray
(Brief silence)
Most merciful Jesus, on the cross you took the place of all people, even those who do not know or acknowledge God. In the consolation of the Holy Spirit, graciously grant to all who suffer to reflect on the brevity and preciousness of life and to grow in compassionate love for others. You who live and reign forever and ever.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn (the first time only the Schola, the second all).
I sinned, I sinned my God;
I sinned, Lord mercy;
if great are my faults,
greater is your kindness. (repeat)

(Schola only)
for your deep wounds
mercy, Lord, mercy.
For your cruel wounds
mercy, Lord, mercy.
If great…

(Everyone – refrain)
(Schola only)
For your Holy Crown
mercy, Lord, mercy.
For your precious blood
mercy, Lord, mercy.
If great…

(Everyone)
I sinned, I sinned my God;
I sinned, Lord mercy;
if great are my faults,
greater is your kindness. (repeat)

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Eleventh Station

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L. Eleventh Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ is nailed to the Cross.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. This was so that the scripture would be fulfilled.
P. This was so that the scripture would be fulfilled.
(Psalm 22:7-8, 13, 16)
L. All who see me mock me;
They twist their lips, shake their heads, saying:
He entrusted himself to the Lord; Let him deliver him;
May He save him, since he was pleased with him.

P. This was so that the scripture would be fulfilled.

L. They opened their mouths over me
Like a rapacious and roaring lion.
Dogs have surrounded me;
A gang of criminals has surrounded me;
They pierced my hands and my feet.

P. This was so that the scripture would be fulfilled.

L. From the Holy Gospel according to Luke
(Lk 23:33-38)
And when they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, and the malefactors, one on the right and one on the left. And Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they do.” And they shared his clothes among themselves, casting lots. And the people were watching; and even the rulers mocked him, saying: “He saved others; may he save himself, if this is the Christ, the chosen one of God.” The soldiers also mocked him, approaching and presenting him with vinegar, and saying: “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” There was also above him a title written in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew letters: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

O. (brief reflection)
Now, after enduring the painful climb up the hill and hearing the mockery of his own people, Jesus offers his hands and feet to be crucified for our sake. Even in the midst of unjust and cruel suffering, Christ asks forgiveness for his persecutors and for us. He has given us, his disciples, an example to imitate and opened for us true reconciliation with God. If Christ has suffered for and forgiven those who hurt him, how much more should we endure difficulties and extend forgiveness to those around us. We have been baptized into his death, and we have been given the power to become like him. Let us draw on Jesus’s example and ask for the strength to endure the trials of our lives and to become peacemakers in an angry and unforgiving world.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray
(Brief silence)
Lord Father of mercy, you have called us to be instruments of your peace, grant us the strength to endure the trials of our lives and to become peacemakers in an angry and unforgiving world. Though Christ, our Lord.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn (the first time only the Schola, the second all).
I sinned, I sinned my God;
I sinned, Lord mercy;
if great are my faults,
greater is your kindness. (repeat)

(Schola only)
for your open side
mercy, Lord, mercy.
for your holy agony
mercy, Lord, mercy.
If great…

(Everyone – refrain)
(Schola only)
For your grieving mother
mercy, Lord, mercy.
Jesus, we ask you
mercy, Lord, mercy.
If great…

(Everyone)
I sinned, I sinned my God;
I sinned, Lord mercy;
if great are my faults,
greater is your kindness. (repeat)

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Twelfth Station

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L. Twelfth Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ dies on the Cross.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they do.
P. Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they do.
(Psalm 22:1-4)
L. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from my salvation, and from the words of my cry?
My God, I cry by day, and you do not answer;
And at night, and there is no rest for me.

P. Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they do.

L. But you are holy,
You who dwell among the praises of Israel.
In you our fathers hoped;
They waited, and you freed them.

P. Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they do.

L. From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
(Matt 27:45-50)
From the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying: “Eli, Eli, lama sabactani?” This is: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Some of those who were there said, when they heard him: “This man calls Elijah.” And immediately, one of them running, took a sponge, and soaked it with vinegar, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him so that he could drink. But the others said: “Leave him, let’s see if Elijah comes to deliver him.” But Jesus, having cried out again with a loud voice, gave up the spirit.

O. (brief reflection)
Like a warrior who goes into battle shouts, the Lord, from His Holy Cross. Like One who is ready to go down to the place of the dead and liberate His people, He shouts, with a voice like thunder. At the same time that He is getting ready for his battle to free the captives in the land of the dead, he is already a victor. Out of a place of readiness for battle, He shouts… Out of a place of victory, he gives the Spirit. Now all of us live in the betweenness of the Cross, on the one hand, still fighting the good fight, on the other, enjoying the fruits of the kingdom; and with us, the whole creation waits with eager expectation. But let us be certain that Victory has been given to us.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray
(Brief silence)
Oh God, who out of love created creation to be glorified, and made man to care for creation and to be in union with you; as we unite ourselves to you through the sacraments of the Church, help us to love and care for the rest of creation. Through Christ, our Lord.
P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn (the first time only the Schola, the second all).
Spare your people Lord,
Spare your people,
Spare them, Lord. (repeat)

(Schola only)
Do not be eternally angry
do not be eternally angry,
Spare them, Lord.

(Everyone – refrain)
(Schola only)
For the thorns that pricked you,
for the three nails that pierced you,
Spare them, Lord.

(Everyone – refrain)
(Schola only)
For the three hours of your agony
in which you gave us Mary as mother,
Spare them, Lord.

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Thirteenth Station

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L. Thirteenth Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ is taken down from the Cross.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
P. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
(Psalm 55:1, 4, 16, 18)
L. Hear, O God, my prayer,
And do not shrink back from my plea.
My heart trembles inside of me,
And terrors of death have fallen upon me.

P. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

L. As for me, I will cry to God;
And the Lord will save me.
He will redeem my soul in peace from the war against me,
Although there are many against me.

P. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

L. From the Holy Gospel according to John
(John 19:31-34,38-42)
Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So 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.

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted it. So he came and took his body. Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now 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.

O. (brief reflection)
In Mary, we observe the pillar of faith. When all the disciples gave into distress, despair, doubt, and joyless sorrow, Mary stood battling the good battle. The Virgin immaculate has rejected all doubt and all joyless sorrow from her heart. She stood in prayer… pondering the will of God in her heart. O, behold the Virgin without stain, her soul experiences natural sorrow but her supernatural joy is not extinguished because she knows that her Son is doing the Will of his Father, and she is joining herself to her Son in this action of love. O most perfect disciple of Christ, she alone remains as pillar of faith and fortitude. Like her, let us not allow the vicissitudes of life to steal the inner joy that comes from knowing that we are doing the Father’s Will in union with Christ.

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray
(Brief silence)
Father, God Almighty, you have called us to abide in holy joy, do not let the joy that comes from the Spirit depart from the heart of all those who are present here, grant us perseverance amidst suffering and sorrow. Through Christ, our Lord.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn (the first time only the Schola, the second all).
Spare your people Lord,
Spare your people,
Spare them, Lord. (repeat)

(Schola only)
For the deep cruel wounds,
for the saliva and for the gall
Spare them, Lord.

(Everyone – refrain)
(Schola only)
For the wounds of feet and hands,
for the whipping so inhuman.
Spare them, Lord.

(Everyone – refrain)
(Schola only)
For the three nails that pierced you,
and the thorns that pricked you.
Spare them, Lord.

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Fourteenth Station

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L. Fourteenth Station: Our Lord Jesus Christ is laid in the tomb.
A. Let us kneel.
C. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
P. Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
The celebrant incenses the relic of the Holy Cross and then the image at the Station.
A. Let us stand.
L. It was the preparation of the Passover… that day of rest was a great solemnity.
P. It was the preparation of the Passover… that day of rest was a great solemnity.
(Psalm 16:9-11)
L. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my soul rejoiced;
My flesh will also rest safely;
Because you will not leave my soul in hell,
Nor will you allow your saint to see corruption.

P. It was the preparation of the Passover… that day of rest was a great solemnity.

L. You will show me the path of life;
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
Delicacies at your right hand forever.

P. It was the preparation of the Passover… that day of rest was a great solemnity.

L. From the first letter of the Apostle Peter.
(1 Pet 4:6)
The gospel was preached even to the dead, so that, although they have been judged according to human criteria as far as the body is concerned, they may live according to God as far as the spirit is concerned.

O. (brief reflection)
The dawn from on High has broken in hades, descended into hell, and the Sun of Justice shone in the land of those who dwelt in darkness, in the land of those under the shadow of death. He has guided their feet to a land of peace. He has given them knowledge of salvation and forgiven their sins. In his tender mercy, He has visited his people, in fulfillment of his Covenant with Abraham, our father in Faith, to defeat his people’s enemy, to crush the power of the oppressor who kept them captive, so that for days without end, they would be able to worship Him without fear; holy and righteous before Him. Brethren, if Christ has bestowed life to those in the tomb, what is there to fear? O death where is your sting? O grave, where your victory? Death has been swallowed up in victory!

A. Let us kneel.
C. Jesus Christ was obedient unto death.
P. And died on the cross to save us.
C. Lord, we have sinned.
P. Have mercy on us.

C. Let us pray
(Brief silence)
O Lord, Jesus Christ, you have trampled down death by death, bring to the light of your countenance our departed brethren who died in the hope of your resurrection. You who live and reign forever and ever.

P. Amen.
A. Let us stand.
Ministers’ change of shift.
MC. Let us process to the house of the Lord.

Hymn (the first time only the Schola, the second all).
Victory, you will reign,
Oh Cross, you will save us. (repeat)

(Schola only)
The Word nailed to you,
dying he rescued us.
From you, holy wood,
redemption comes.

(Everyone – refrain)
(Schola only)
Spreads over the world,
your Kingdom of salvation.
O cross, fertile source,
Of life and blessing!

(Everyone – refrain)
(Schola only)
Rule over hate,
your Kingdom of charity.
reach the nations,
the joy of unity.

(Everyone – refrain)
(Schola only)
Increase in our souls,
your kingdom of holiness.
The river of grace
quenches iniquity.

(Everyone – refrain)
(Schola only)
Glory forever,
to Christ the Liberator.
His cross takes us to heaven,
the promised land.

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End of the Way of the Cross

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The cross is placed in a central spot in the portico of the Church, together with the four candles. Then the acolyte says:

A. Let us pay attention to the Word of the Lord.

C. From the Holy Gospel according to Mark.
(Mark 16:1-6)
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices to go and anoint him. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came to the sepulchre, when the sun had risen. But they said among themselves: “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb” But when they looked, they saw the stone removed, which was very large. And when they entered the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, covered with a long white garment; and they were scared. But he said to them: “Do not be frightened; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was crucified; he has risen, he is not here; look at the place where they put him.”

After a brief silence, the celebrant exhorts them saying:
C. Brothers and sisters, let us remember that Christ has risen from the dead, and while we meditate on his Passion, let us keep in mind his victory over death and sin.

MC. Now we can proceed to silently venerate the relic of the Holy Cross. Those who brought flowers can come to place them in the containers that are in the side aisles of this portico. Those who wish to join the monks at noon prayer are welcome to come in. There are some brothers at the entrance of the Church to help you with the books. The Services of the Passion will be celebrated in English at 3 pm in this church, everyone is welcome to join us.

A. Let us go and meditate on the mysteries that have been proclaimed.