Deus, in adjutorium meum intende. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina.
O God, come to my assistance. O Lord, make haste to help me.
St. Alphonsus Liguori promoted the devotion of "The Way of the Cross," commonly referred to as the Stations. The devotion is much older than his 18th century version; but it is the best known in the English language and, while the faithful can and should observe it at any time during the year, it is particularly done on the Fridays of Lent. Alphonsus Liguori was born into a noble family of Naples. He renounced all worldly goods and devoted himself to preaching to the poor. He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). He was a marvelous preacher and writer, was made Bishop of St. Agatha in Southern Italy. Before he died in 1787 he returned to his Congregation.
The Stations follow Our Lord on His way to Calvary. There are 14 "stations," meditating on Christ's passion and death, from His condemnation by Pilate to His Body being laid in the tomb. If done by a congregation, the "way" is led by a priest and prayers joined by those present. One may do it alone as a private devotion. When done as a group, a verse from the hymn, "Stabat Mater," is sung after each Station. It calls to mind Mary's journey with her Son on this "Way." The Stations are depicted usually by pictures or plaques, seven on each side of the church. A stop is made at each representation for the prayers and meditation.
The Preparatory Prayer is this: My Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast made this journey to die for me with love unutterable, and I have so many times unworthily abandoned Thee; but now I love Thee with my whole heart, and because I love Thee, I repent sincerely for having ever offended Thee. Pardon me, my God, and permit me to accompany Thee on this journey Thou goest to die for love of me; I wish also, my beloved Redeemer, to die for love of Thee. My Jesus, I will live and die always united to Thee.
First Station: Jesus is condemned to death.
(A genuflection is made in reverence) We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee,
Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Stand: (Priest leads, if in congregation) Consider that Jesus, after having been scourged and crowned with thorns, was unjustly condemned by Pilate to die on the cross.
Kneel: (People or individual if privately) My adorable Jesus, it was not Pilate, no, it was my sins, that condemned Thee to die. I beseech Thee, by the merits of this sorrowful journey, to assist my soul in its journey towards eternity. I love Thee, my beloved Jesus; I love Thee more than myself; I repent with my whole heart of having offended Thee. never permit me to separate myself from Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always, and then do with me what Thou wilt.
Our Father..., Hail Mary.., Glory Be...
Lord Jesus, crucified,
Have mercy on us!
At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
Each day I'll post a Station until all fourteen are said.
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