The Way of the Cross
A PRAYER TO DIRECT THE INTENTION.
LORD Jesus Christ, Saviour of my soul, I present myself before thee to follow the way of thy Cross and to retrace in spirit that sacred path which was watered with thy adorable blood, during thy painful journey to Mount Calvary. I offer to thee this pious exercise, with the view of gaining the indulgences which the Sovereign Pontiffs have attached to it; and I purpose to pray for all the intentions which they had in view in dispensing so rich a treasure. Grant me, O Lord, the dispositions necessary for obtaining these indulgences, as well for myself as for the souls in purgatory, and in particular for those for whom I design to pray. May I, by this holy exercise, merit thy mercy in this world, so as to secure with those suffering souls, a place in thy eternal kingdom in the life to come. Amen.
And thou, O blessed Mother of God, assist me by thy powerful intercession. Present this my feeble homage to thy divine Son, in reparation of the many injuries he daily receives from bad Christians, and from many impious men, who deny Him that redeemed them. Let me participate in that ineffable sorrow which pierced thy most tender soul during the several stages of his passion: that I may reap an abundant fruit from this holy exercise, for the advantage and the benefit of all those for whom I pray. Amen.
While moving towards each Station, a verse of the "Stabat Mater" may be sung.
Stabat mater dolorósa
juxta Crucem lacrimósa,
dum pendébat Fílius.
