STATIONS OF THE CROSS
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INITIAL PRAYERS
Entrance Hymn (optional)
Stabat Mater, verses 1-2.


Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.


Prayer Before the Crucifix (optional)

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before your face I humbly kneel, and with a burning soul pray and beseech you to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment, while I contemplate with great love and tender pity your five wounds, pondering over them within me, calling to mind the words which David, your prophet, said of you, my good Jesus: "They have pierced my hands and feet; they have numbered all my bones.


Hymn After Initial Prayers (optional)
While walking to the First Station.
Stabat Mater, verses 3-4.

When the Stations are performed in public, as in church or an outdoor procession, it is customary to sing stanzas of "Stabat Mater" during the initial prayers, while walking from one Station to the next, and as part of the concluding prayers.

Entrance Hymn:
Stabat Mater, verses 1-2.

1. At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.

2. Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
All His bitter anguish bearing,
Now at length the sword had pass'd.

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About the Initial Prayers
No opening prayer is required to begin the Stations of the Cross, except for the Sign of the Cross. Prayer books suggest a variety of initial prayers. The one presented here,"Prayer Before the Crucifix", is a good choice but not obligatory.

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Hymn After Initial Prayers
Stabat Mater, verses 3-4.

3. Oh, how sad and sore distress'd
Was that Mother highly blest
Of the sole-begotten One!

4. Christ above in torment hangs;
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying glorious Son.


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CREDITS

Illustration: "Crucifixion", ©2001 by E. M. Mulhare.

Texts of prayers and hymns in this work are traditional devotions of the Roman Catholic Church and pertain to the public domain.

All other content, including graphics and artwork, Copyright ©2002 by E. M. Mulhare, Hamilton, NY 13346 USA. All Rights Reserved. Published electronically as part of Lenten Companion: Illustrated Online Stations of the Cross. Original created 31-Jan-2002. This page last modified 14-Mar-2002.


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