The Third Station of the Cross-Jesus Falls the First Time
Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee,
All (genuflect): Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Our dear Savior, carrying the cross, was so weakened by its heavy weight as to fall exhausted to the ground. Our sins and misdeeds were the heavy burden which oppressed Him; the cross was to Him light and sweet, but our sins were galling and insupportable.
O my Jesus, Thou didst bear my burden and the heavy weight of my sins. Should I, then, not bear in union with Thee, my easy burden of suffering and accept the sweet yoke of Thy commandments? I therefore willingly accept it. I will take up my cross and follow Thee.
OUR FATHER
HAIL MARY
GLORY BE
Lord Jesus, crucified, Have mercy on us!
STABAT MATER
O, how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole-begotten One!
The Fourth Station of the Cross-Jesus Meets His Sorrowful Mother
Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee,
All (genuflect): Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
How painful and how sad it must have been for Mary, the sorrowful Mother, to behold her beloved Son, laden with the burden of the cross! What unspeakable pangs her most tender heart experienced! How earnestly did she desire to die in place of Jesus, or at least with Him! Implore this sorrowful Mother that she assists you in the hour of your death.
O Jesus, O Mary, I am the cause of the great and manifold pains which pierce your loving hearts! Oh, that also my heart would feel and experience at least some of your sufferings! O Mother of Sorrows, let me participate in the sufferings which thou and Thy Son endured for me, and let me experience thy sorrow, that afflicted with thee, I may enjoy thy assistance in the hour of my death.
OUR FATHER
HAIL MARY
GLORY BE
Lord Jesus, crucified, Have mercy on us!
STABAT MATER
Christ above in torment hangs,
She beneath beholds the pangs,
Of her dying, glorious Son.