[Salvation]

Station V

The Cross is Laid on Simon of Cyrene

Kneel
Presider:		We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All:		Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Arise
Presider:		As the strength of Jesus fails, and he is unable to proceed, the executioners seize and compel Simon of Cyrene to carry his cross. The virtue of that cross changed his heart, and from being a compulsory task, it became a privilege and joy.
		O Lord, Jesus, may it be our privilege also to bear your cross; may we glory in nothing else; by it may the world be crucified unto us, and we to the world; may we never shrink from suffering, but rather rejoice if we be counted worthy to suffer for your Name's sake.
Reader:		As the chief priests, the ruling class, and the people led Jesus away, they laid hold of one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the fields. They put a crossbeam on Simon's shoulder for him to carry along behind Jesus.
All:		If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps.
All sing:		Is there one who would not weep, 'Whelmed in miseries so deep, Christ's dear Mother to behold?

 

[Salvation]

Station VI

Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

Kneel
Presider:		We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All:		Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Arise
Presider:		As Jesus proceeds on the way, covered with the sweat of death, a woman moved with compassion makes her way through the crowd and wipes his face with her veil. As a reward for her piety, the impression of his sacred countenance is miraculously imprinted upon the veil.
		O Jesus, may the contemplation of your suffering move us with the deepest compassion, make us hate our sins, and kindle in our hearts more fervent love for you. May your image be graven on our minds, until we are transformed into your likeness.
Reader:		A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one, finds a treasure. A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth.
All:		I give you a new commandment: Love one another. Such as my love has been for you, so must your love be for each other.
All sing:		Can the human heart refrain, From partaking in her pain, In that Mother's pain untold?