A SHORT WAY OF THE CROSS

As used by The Franciscan Fathers on their Missions

First Station: Jesus Is Condemned to Death

O Jesus! So meek and uncomplaining, teach me resigna-

tion in trials.

Second Station: Jesus Carries His Cross

My Jesus! This Cross should be mine, not Thine! My sins

crucified Thee.

Third Station: Our Lord Falls the First Time

O Jesus! By this first fall, never let me fall into mortal sin.

Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Mother

O Jesus! May no human tie, however dear, keep me from

following the road of the Cross.

Fifth Station: Simon, the Cyrenean, Helps Jesus Carry His

Cross

Simon unwillingly assisted Thee; may I with patience sut-

fer all for Thee.

Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

O Jesus! Thou didst imprint Thy sacred features upon

Veronica's veil; stamp them also indelibly upon my heart.

Seventh Station: The Second Fall of Jesus

By Thy second fall, preserve me, dear Lord, from relapse

into sin.

Eighth Station: Jesus Consoles the Women of Jerusalem

My greatest consolation would be to hear Thee say: "Many

sins are forgiven thee, because thou hast loved much."

Ninth Station: Third Fall of Jesus

O Jesus! When I am weary upon life's long joumey, be

Thou my strength and my perseverance.

Tenth Station: Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments

My soul has been robbed of its robe of innocence; clothe

me, dear Jesus, with the garb of penance and contrition.

Eleventh Station: Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross

Thou didst forgive Thy enemies; my God, teach me to for-

give injuries and forget them.

Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

Thou art dying, my Jesus, but Thy Sacred Heart still

throbs with love for Thy sinful children.

Thirteenth Station: Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross

Receive me into thy arms, O Sorrowful Mother, and obtain

for me perfect contrition for my sins.

Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is Laid in the Sepulcher

When I receive Thee into my heart in Holy Communion, O

Jesus, make it a fit abiding place for Thy adorable Body.

Jesus, Mary, I love You, save Souls.

Amen.