Fifth Station of the Cross-Simeon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee,
All (genuflect): Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Simon of Cyrene was compelled to help Jesus carry His own cross, and Jesus accepted his assistance. How willingly would He also permit you to carry the cross: He calls, but you hear Him not; He invites you, but you decline. What a reproach, to bear the cross reluctantly!
O Jesus! Whosoever does not take up his cross and follow Thee, is not worthy of Thee. Behold, I join Thee in the Way of Thy Cross; I will be Thy assistant, following Thy bloody footsteps, that I may come to Thee in eternal life.
OUR FATHER
HAIL MARY
GLORY BE
Lord Jesus, crucified, Have mercy on us!
STABAT MATER
Is there one who would not weep
Whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother to Behold?
Sixth Station of the Cross-Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
Leader: We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee,
All (genuflect): Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Veronica, impelled by devotion and compassion, presents her veil to Jesus to wipe His disfigured face. And Jesus imprints on it His holy countenance: a great recompense for so small a service. What return do you make to your Savior for His great and manifold benefits?
Most merciful Jesus! What return shall I make for all the benefits Thou hast bestowed upon me? Behold, I consecrate myself entirely to Thy service. I offer and consecrate to Thee my heart: imprint on it Thy sacred image, never again to be effaced by sin.
OUR FATHER
HAIL MARY
GLORY BE
Lord Jesus, crucified, Have mercy on us!
STABAT MATER
Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that Mother’s pain untold?