R. Because by Thy holy Cross, etc.
Consider how the holy woman named Veronica, seeing Jesus so afflicted, and His face bathed in meat and blood, presented Him with a towel, with which He wiped His adorable face, leaving on it the impression of His holy countenance.
MY most beloved Jesus, Thy face was beautiful before, but in this journey it has lost all its beauty, and wounds and blood have disfigured it. Alas! my soul also was once beautiful, when it received Thy grace in Baptism; but I have disfigured it since by my sins. Thou alone my Redeemer, canst restore it to its former beauty. Do this by Thy passion, O Jesus. I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt.
