V. Miserere nostri, Domine. R. Miserere nostri.
V. Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei requiescant in pace. R. Amen.
The procession then moves to the second Station, singing,
| Sancta Mater, istud agas, | Holy Mother, pierce me thro', |
| Crucifixi fige plagas | In my heart each wound renew |
| Cordi meo valida, | Of my Saviour crucified. |
STATION II.
JESUS IS LADEN WITH THE CROSS
V. Adoramus te, &c.
R. Quia per sanctam, &c.
A heavy cross is laid upon the braised shoulders of Jesus. He receives it with meekness, nay, with a secret joy, for it is the instrument with which he is to redeem the world.
O Jesus, grant us, by virtue of thy cross, to embrace with meekness and. cheerful submission the difficulties of our state, and to be ever ready to take up our cross and follow thee.
The Act of Contrition may be repeated each time.
Pater. Ave. Gloria.
Miserere nostri, &c. Sancta Matar, &c.
STATION III.
JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE CROSS.
V. Adoramus te, &c.
R. Quia per sanctam, &c.
Bowed down under the weight of the cross, Jesus slowly sets forth on the way to Calvary, amidst the mockeries and insults of the crowd. His agony in the garden has exhausted his body; he is sore with blows and wounds: his strength fails him; he falls to the ground under the cross.
O Jesus, who for our sins didst bear the heavy burden of the cross, and didst fall under its weight, may
