The Stations, or Way of the Cross
The priests and acolyths, kneeling before the altar, say as follows:
O Jesus, our adorable Saviour, behold us prostrate at thy feet, imploring thy mercy for ourselves, and for the souls of all the faithful departed. Vouchsafe to apply to us the infinite merits of thy passion, on which we are now about to meditate. Grant that while we trace this path of sighs and tears, our hearts may be so touched with contrition and repentance, that we may be ready to embrace with joy all the crosses and sufferings and humiliations of this our life and pilgrimage.
STATION I.
JESUS CONDEMNED TO DEATH.
| V. Adoramus te, Christe, et benedicimus tibi. | V. We adore thee, O Christ, and we bless thee. |
| R. Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redimisti mundum. | R. Because by thy holy Cross thou hast redeemed the world. |
Leaving the house of Caiphas, where he had been blasphemed, and the house of Herod, where he had been mocked, Jesus is dragged before Pilate, his back torn with scourges, his head crowned with thorns; and he, who on the last day will judge the living and the dead, is himself condemned to a disgraceful death.
It was for us that thou didst suffer, O blessed Jesus; it was for our sins that thou wast condemned to die. O, grant that we may detest them from the bottom of our hearts, and by this repentance obtain thy mercy and pardon.
Act of Contrition.
O God, we love thee with our whole hearts and above all things, and are heartily sorry that we have offended thee. May we never offend thee any more. Oh, may we love thee without ceasing, and make it our delight to do in all things thy most holy will.
Pater. Ave. Gloria.
