The Way Of The Cross
Brother Estanislao (1903-1927)
At the age of 18, a young Spaniard entered the Novitiate of The Brothers of the Christian Schools at Bugedo, Spain. He took the Vow of Regularity, Perfection and Pure Love. In October 1926, he offered himself to Jesus through Mary. Soon after this heroic donation, he fell ill. Within several months he died saintly in March 1927. He was according to the Master of Novices, a Privileged Soul, who received Messages from Heaven. Confessors and Theologians recognized these Supernatural facts. His Director asked him to write the Promises made by Our Lord to those who have devotion to THE WAY OF THE CROSS:
• " I will grant everything that's asked of Me with Faith when making The Way of The Cross".
• "I promise Eternal Life to those who pray from time to time, The Way of The Cross".
• "I will follow them everywhere in life and I will help them, especially at the hour of death".
• "Even if they have more sins than blades of grass in the fields, and grains of sand in the sea, all of them will be erased by The Way of The Cross. (Note: This promise does not eliminate the obligation to confess all mortal sins before we receive Holy Communion.)
• "Those who pray The Way of The Cross often, will have a special glory in Heaven".
• " I will deliver them from Purgatory, indeed if they go there at all, the first Tuesday or Friday after their death".
• "I will bless them at each Way of The Cross, and My blessing will follow them everywhere on earth and, after their death, in Heaven for all Eternity".
"At the hour of their death I will not permit the devil to tempt them; I will lift all power from him in order that they will repose tranquilly in My Arms".
• "If they pray it [The Way of The Cross] with true love, I will make each one of them a living Ciborium in which it will please Me to pour My grace".
• "I will fix My Eyes on those who pray The Way of The Cross often; My hands will always be open to protect them".
• "As I am nailed to the Cross, so also will I always be with those who honor Me in making The Way of The Cross frequently".
• "They will never be able to separate themselves from Me, for I will give them the grace never again to commit a Mortal sin".
• "At the hour of death I will console them with My Presence and we will go together to Heaven. Death will be sweet to all those who have honored Me during their lives by praying The Way of The Cross".
• My Soul will be a protective shield for them, and will always help them, whenever they have recourse".
The Stations of the Cross
First Station
Jesus is Condemned to Death
O Jesus! so meek and uncomplaining, teach me resignation in trials and tribulations.
Second Station
Jesus Carries His Cross
Jesus help me to also carry my cross.
Third Station
Our Lord Falls the First Time
O Jesus! by this first fall, help me when I fall.
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 You; may I also assist You.
Sixth Station
Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
O Jesus! You imprinted Your 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.
Eight Station
Jesus Consoles the Women of Jerusalem
My greatest consolation would be to hear You say: "Many sins are forgiven thee, because thou hast loved much".
Ninth Station
The Third Fall of Jesus
O Jesus! when weary upon life's long journey, be 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
You forgave Your enemies and continue to forgive; my God, teach me to forgive all those who have injured me or who I have injured.
Twelfth Station
Jesus Dies on the Cross
You are dying, my Jesus, but Your Sacred Heart still throbs with love for all of God’s children.
Thirteenth Station
Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross
Receive me into your arms, O Sorrowful Mother; and obtain for me contrition for my sins.
Fourteenth Station
Jesus is Laid in the Sepulcher
When I receive You into my heart in Holy Communion, O Jesus, make it a fit abiding place for Thy adorable Body.
Amen
Note: These beautiful hand-carved Stations of the Cross where rescued from an antique dealer in the streets of New York City. They are about 100 years old. For many decades they remained in an abandoned hospital/nursing home.
We have decided to keep them just as they are. In our humble opinion these 14 Wounded Stations of the Cross are perhaps even more reflective of Our Wounded Lord and His Mother, especially during the times we are presently living through. It seems that no one escapes from this earthly Valley of Tears.
We invite you to spend some time uniting your sufferings with those of Jesus and Mary as you make the Way of the Cross. May the time you spend in prayer and meditation lead you to the Stations of the Cross that await your presence within your Church.
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