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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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…
Q. 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 many graces in our Church during this Jubilee year, 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 Francis and his intentions.

A. Let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
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)
Behold the bridegroom! Behold him getting ready for his wedding feast. The sweet Lord, who out of love fashioned humankind in his likeness, and in miracle beyond our comprehension took our flesh out of the womb of the Virgin Mary, now out of love goes unto death to shed the very blood of his flesh. O blood beyond compare, united to the divinity of the Son, in ways mysterious… May his blood be our salvation. May his blood be forgiveness of our sins. He sheds his blood for us so that out of his side we can become refashioned into his bride. He sheds his blood for us, so that he may exclaim of us: Behold, this one is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh! O blood beyond compare, united to the divinity of the Son, in ways mysterious… We, brothers and sisters, receive this blood at the altar of God. This blood saves us. This blood makes us one: one immaculate bride. Let us work to preserve the unity among us, which the blood of the bridegroom has given 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 Jesus Christ, who, out of love, shed your most precious blood for the salvation of the world, preserve your Holy Church without wrinkle and defect, one in faith and charity. 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).

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)
We know that Jesus is the Savior of the world, but to the Roman soldiers, Jesus is just another prisoner, whose title, “King of the Jews” makes Him even more pathetic. They mock Jesus because, to them, He is ‘a nobody’.

When we think of suffering with Christ, we may picture heroic martyrdom; but we are often called to share His cross by being mocked for our faithfulness in small things. How many of us have been teased for making sure we pray or go to Mass; for refusing to gossip; for objecting when our friends use the Lord’s name in vain, curse, or make rude or dirty jokes? Or have we been the Roman soldiers, making fun of others for being devoted to prayer and avoiding sinful behavior? In them, it is Jesus whom we mock.

Mockery makes us feel small. And if we find it so hard to be mocked by a few people, imagine the courage our Pope and bishops need to stand firm when the world mocks them. We can all be tempted to be unfaithful rather than be mocked. But Jesus prays in us: “My God, I trust in You; Let me not be shamed.”

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 Jesus Christ, when You gave Yourself up to death for our sake, You remained faithful to Your Father even when the soldiers mocked You. Grant, we pray, that our Pope, our bishops, ourselves, and all Christians may find the courage to do the will of our Heavenly Father, even when we are mocked, knowing that in Him we will not be put to shame. 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).

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)
When Christ falls this first time, it is but the latest act in a drama of interminable falls. Our first parents, disobedient, fell from paradise. The ransomed people of Israel, distrustful, fell in the desert. The holy city of Jerusalem, disloyal, fell to the armies of Babylon. In response to this headlong plummet of his people, the all-powerful Word of the Father leapt down from heaven’s royal throne and fell into our doomed land. He emptied himself of divine dispassion and took the form of a slave. Found human in appearance, “he bore our infirmities, and suffered our pains.” He was struck, and spat upon, and stumbled under the weight of the cross—all to manifest his solidarity with us in the depths to which we had fallen. The cross under which he falls is ours. Yet, unlike us in one thing only, he is without sin. He alone has the power to arrest humanity’s fall. When he rises from the ground and continues his climb up Mount Calvary, he prefigures the glorious resurrection by which we, too, can reverse our falls and rise to new life with 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)
Lord Jesus Christ, by carrying our cross you manifested the depth of your human compassion and the height of your divine majesty. Grant that we who struggle and fall under the weight of our sins may be strengthened to rise again by the power of your glorious 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).

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)
We see our blessed Mother approach her suffering son on his way to lay down his life for everyone, even for her. How she acts, and what she henceforth does, gives us all an insight into how we should respond to a similar sight, when we see anyone, and especially one of our beloved suffering for the sake of the Lord. Mary does not ask her Son to quit His mission, even though His mission is a painful one, especially for her, who has to endure the sight of seeing her Son tortured, a pain many times greater than going through the suffering yourself. She also does not, at this moment, like Simon later, take a physical role in helping her Son carry this burden; this was not her calling now as it had been in His youth. Nonetheless, she does help her beloved follow the Father’s will, by reminding Him through her steady presence that she was with Him, and that she supported Him on His mission. She let Him know He was not alone, even though at that moment she could not help Him in any other way. She joined Him in saying in Her heart, “In you, Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.” In our lives there will be many times we will be powerless to take away another’s pain away, or times we are not called to take it away, for this is for good. In those times, giving someone your presence and love, and urging them forward, is not only what we are called to do, but the best thing we can do, for their glorification. Let us like Mary and Jesus not despair, but trust and take refuge in God in these hard times.

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 Jesus, You died for us, and sent your Spirit to make us a part of your body; help us humbly accept our human limits, and within those limits, especially in times of difficulty, may we be able to support each other in following your Father’s will, making Him our refuge, as You did. 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

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)
A man from Cyrene crosses paths with Christ and the course of his life changes. The same is true for anyone, regardless of his or her walk of life, once we truly encounter Jesus our lives are changed. Only if we accept him as our Lord, and follow the way of the Cross, can we partake of what he came to offer us, life everlasting and communion with him. This communion with him of course, implies communion with his Church on earth.

Today many are trying to walk with Christ, carrying the cross although they are not of the Catholic faith, many sincerely and faithfully persevering in the teachings of the Gospel. Let us always remember these brothers and sisters in our prayers, so that they may come to the fullness of the truth and into the apostolic faith. As individuals and as Church we must strive to act always charitably toward those who hold different or erroneous beliefs, showing the love of Christ who came not to condemn but to save.

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 Almighty, who revealed to all nations the way to life in the passion of your beloved Son, bring all who have strayed into the right path, that we may all together walk with you. 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)
In carrying his cross, Christ Jesus fulfills the prophecy of the suffering servant of Isaiah, who was “spurned and avoided by men.” While he walked through crowds of people jeering at him, there was a brave woman named Veronica who did not spurn this poor man, but instead pitied him. She could not take away the cruel penalty the Roman government imposed on him, but she could offer him a kind gesture. She took her veil and wiped the blood, sweat, and dirt from Our Savior’s face. A small gesture, but one filled with love. And Jesus rewarded this kindness by leaving her the very image of himself on her veil.

This is the kind of charity we are called to exercise in the world. Not everyone is called to the kind of heroic work which Mother Teresa modeled in the slums of Calcutta. Our simple acts of love for our neighbor are a precious gift to the Lord, and it is Christ himself whom we minister to in caring for our neighbor. We can tend to the needs of the poor, the migrant, the persecuted in our own communities, bringing to them the image of Christ by our love and support.

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 of Mercies, who sent your Only Begotten Son to be our Savior and Redeemer, look with favor on those who are most in need of your love in this world, especially those persecuted for professing their faith in you. Raise up generous servants who will be your hands and feet to care for all those in distress, and may we truly be the face of Christ to each one of our neighbors. 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

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)
Still reeling from the pain of the first fall and knowing that he would soon fall again, Christ resolved, after falling a second time, to continue on his sorrowful path. How could he endure such scornful treatment from those surrounding him, those whom he loved so generously? Injured, rejected, loathed, he knew his hope was in the divine will. How can we place greater trust in God when we feel the most weak and hopeless? Through humble petition, God gives us the strength not only to keep getting up after each devastating fall, but to pray for those who cause our stumbling. In this jubilee year, Christ longs for us to feel that joy that comes through forgiving those who have harmed us. Though we suffer temporal afflictions that seem insurmountable, we are called to rejoice in hope, thanking God that as we share in Christ’s afflictions, we also share in his glory (Rom 8:17). We must heal the wounded body of Christ, giving emotional and material support to our brothers and sisters who are so often despised, refugees and immigrants, the elderly, prisoners, and those with disabilities, continually helping one another on the journey to everlasting 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)
Almighty Father, you sent your Son among us to show us the absolute depths of merciful love and patient endurance through his Passion. Grant us the grace to imitate his most faithful example in charitable self-sacrifice and to forgive all people as he did. 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

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)
God died on the cross for all to be saved, Christ who came into the world for precisely this moment to glorify the Father. In His compassion, as He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, He pauses to address the weeping women, instructing them not to weep for him but for themselves and the unbelievers—those who failed to recognize this incredible moment of salvation. Therefore, weep not for him, but let us weep for our own sins, and for those who slight his love and reject his grace. Let our lives conform to Christ and be a witness to all who have heard but did not believe, and let us pray for all who know of Christ but have not recognized him so that they may enter into the fold of his mercy.

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)
Heavenly Father, in your steadfast love for us, you have sent your only Son to die on the cross for our salvation and to be the light of the world; enlighten our hearts with your grace that all may recognize the infinite love and mercy you bestow upon us and that we may praise you and glorify you as we ought to. 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;

---

Ninth Station

---

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)
When we look with faith at Jesus Christ, we see God as he truly is. But most people in his day did not understand this. Were they ignorant? Or were they choosing not to understand? Perhaps both: it is common for people to make superficial judgments, to refuse to look deeper, to be unwilling to change their mind. In the case of Our Lord’s Passion, they saw a man who seemed rejected by God: God is powerful, beautiful and holy. God is eternal and cannot die. But Jesus on the cross was beaten and bloody, made to look shameful, called a criminal. It’s not surprising that many would not understand this paradox: Christ Jesus, though he was rich, became poor for our sake, that we might become rich. A Christian is given a priceless gift, the privilege to know the depth of God’s love for humanity, a love that we did not earn and cannot repay. But we must ask ourselves if we, disciples of Christ, are willing to become poor for others. Do we treat the unattractive, the ignorant and the unfortunate as worthy of our time and resources? Do we offer forgiveness and blessing to everyone, even those who hurt us? In our own crosses, we face the test of faith. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

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 are Father of all mankind and you despise nothing that you have made. Bless those who sincerely hope in your mercy and glory in your righteousness. May the power of your Son’s cross win redemption for all who themselves show mercy, and bring all to the fullness of your truth. 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)
Everything that Jesus does, even when he suffers through his long and painful passion, is for our salvation and comes forth from his love for us. In the beginning at the Garden of Eden, mankind was not ashamed of his lack of clothing. Before man fell, his nakedness was a sign of total freedom in love, not distracted by temptations or sin, but utterly free of all guilt and shame. It is only after man falls that he feels the need to cover himself and to hide from his Creator. In Jesus’s own humiliation, the Romans strip him of his clothing, leaving him vulnerable and exposed to the world’s insults. But in this act of humility, Jesus overturns the shame of fallen man that came through Adam, who clothed himself out of disgrace. God overturns the original shame of mankind, and goes to suffer on the cross, naked out of love for 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)
Almighty and all-merciful God, who created man to love you and neighbor, and bestowed your promises to your Church, grant that the people you first made your own, an advance in humility for your name, and a repentant heart, so that their minds may be illumined, and they may attain the fullness of salvation. 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).
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)

---

Eleventh Station

---

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)
As the nails pierce His hands and His feet, the pain is searing through His body. “They have pierced my hands and my feet, I can count all my bones.” The pain is so intense, He cannot hear the crowd around Him yelling, screaming, reviling Him. The Psalmist prophesied this would be the case. “But I am a worm, not a man, scorned by men, despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they curl their lips and jeer; they shake their heads at me: “He relied on the LORD—let him deliver him; if he loves him, let him rescue him.” How many times our Lord would have prayed this Psalm, knowing more and more intimately that these words were to be applied to Him.
No one sees Him for who He is. No one has compassion for His suffering as they mock Him. Would I be there as a part of the crowd? How many times have I stood by watching, mocking those who are struggling and suffering saying, “Surely they deserve it.” Jesus cries out, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they do.” In Jesus is our hope for repentance, for forgiveness.

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 suffered greatly in His passion, and continues to suffer in our brothers and sisters struggling in our midst and throughout the world, grant us the grace to see Jesus in all those who suffer and compassion to attend to them in love. 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).
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)

---

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)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning: the first day.

At the sixth hour, there was darkness over all the land, and in Jesus, the Spirit was hovering over the waters of his side, transforming the waters into living water. Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and God said, “Let there be light,” and He gave up the Spirit, and there was light. Creation was created today. Created anew, for the first new day dawns out of the living waters of the sacraments flowing from Jesus’ side separating darkness from light, until we enter into the New Day without sunset. The Day for which creation was made.

Now, creation waits in eager expectation, for creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

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

---

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)
The soldiers wishing to ensure the death of the criminals broke the legs of the two who were crucified with Jesus. On coming to Him and seeing him already dead, they did not break his legs but pierced his side. Blood and water flowed out. Jesus not only died for our sins but offers us Grace to strengthen us in order to live in total surrender to the Father’s will. And we know His will is gloriously victorious over all fears and terrors. We know of Jesus’ trust in God that lays down his body, his lifeless body, to be taken down from the cross because He knows He is not abandoned even in death. Let us along with Mary stand at the foot of the cross to receive every grace that is bestowed on us through Jesus’ blood.

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, you opened the side of your only begotten Son, bestowing on us grace and forgiveness. Help us to always live in your grace, and therefore bear witness to your love, and may we, through our example, strengthen those who are weak. 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).
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

---

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)
On the day Israel came out of Egypt, the Lord defeated her enemies drowning them in the waters. Pharaoh and all his army, He destroyed. And out of the waters, he made a people for Himself. He led them through the desert, and brought them into the land of Zion. Today, the Lord has gone down to the Hades, where the Devil kept captive humanity. His presence shattered the doors of Hell, his light shone in the darkness, He took those who were his own. He drowned the Devil and all his army in the waters of his pierced side. The waters that flow from Him enthroned in God’s throne in the Highest Heaven. Out of these waters, He made a people for himself. He made them crossed the great abyss between Heavens and Hell. He led them out of the valley of tears into the land promised to our Fathers; the Jerusalem above. He placed the Spirit of the Law in their hearts. He made them a royal people, a priestly people, a people who prophesizes in the Lord. In this same river, we have been immersed and live. This same Jerusalem above breaks into our world in every Eucharist. This is the Passover of the Lord, let us rejoice and be glad!

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 Jesus Christ, you conquered death by death, and to those in the tomb, you have bestowed life. In your victory, grant victory to all the faithful departed; and to us, who commemorate them in our prayers, peace from above. You who live and reign for ever 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.

End of the Way of the Cross

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.