The Way of the Cross

STATION 1 Jesus in the garden “Could you not stay awake with me one hour?” Matthew 26:40

Just like the disciples, we too abandon Christ when we fail to stand in solidarity with people living in poverty.

Holy Spirit, empower us to stand alongside those who feel they

have been forgotten.

Photo: CA

STATION 2 Jesus betrayed by Judas “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” Matthew 26:15

Give us the strength to answer the call to be witnesses to Christ, calling for justice for our global family.

Holy Spirit, empower us to be people of

promise, loyalty and compassion.

Photo: Euipo Maiz

STATION 3 Jesus condemned by the Sanhedrin “All of them condemned him as deserving death.” Mark 14:64

Archbishop Romero, inspired by faith, spoke out against violence, poverty and injustice. Like Jesus, he gave his life.

Holy Spirit, empower us to be witnesses to your love through our defence of the poor.

STATION 4 Jesus denied by Peter “Woman, I do not know him.” Luke 22:57

How many times have we failed to see the face of Jesus in our sisters and brothers in the global village?

Holy Spirit, empower us to recognise Jesus present in

everyone and to treat them accordingly.

STATION 5 Jesus condemned by the people “All of them said, ‘Let him be crucified!’” Matthew 27:22

Communities around the world are battling HIV and AIDS. Have we the courage to end fear through education and battle prejudice with love?

Holy Spirit, empower us to overcome

prejudice, in our own hearts and in our

world.

STATION 6 Jesus scourged and crowned with thorns The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head. John 19:2

People displaced by conflict in Mindanao in the Philippines are helped by Caritas partners to places of safety. How will we respond to the sufferings of others?

Holy Spirit, empower us to be people of

courage, brave enough to act with love.

STATION 7 Jesus carries the cross “So they took Jesus… carrying the cross by himself.” John 19:17

Every day, refugees seek asylum from oppression and danger, fleeing with only what they can carry - sometimes not even that.

Holy Spirit, empower us to build

communities of welcome and refuge.

STATION 8 Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus “They compelled a passer-by… to carry his cross.” Mark 15:21

Life for Burmese refugees and migrants in Thailand is hard: “Just having enough money to live day to day is difficult. I work every day from 5am, sometimes until 10pm.”

Holy Spirit, empower us to be witnesses of solidarity, calling for

fair conditions for all.

STATION 9 Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” Luke 23:28

Bae Lisa, from the Philippines, is a peace-worker in an area plagued by conflict. Lord, we pray for women around the world working for justice, peace and development.

Holy Spirit, empower us to be advocates for the dignity and

the rights of women.

STATION 10 Jesus is crucified “They crucified him with two others, one on either side...” John 19:18

Lord, give us the resolve to work for justice for our Indigenous people. To move beyond mere tolerance and work toward rights, recognition and reconciliation.

Holy Spirit, empower us to be witnesses who lead the way in upholding the rights and recognition of

Indigenous people.

STATION 11 Jesus speaks to the thief “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43

Kiribati is suffering from the effects of global warming, and homes and livelihoods are threatened.

Holy Spirit, empower us to be people of simplicity, integrity

and care.

STATION 12 Jesus speaks to his mother When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ John 19:26

In sub-Saharan Africa, one in eight children die before the age of five. Jesus feels the pain of mothers who lose their children.

Holy Spirit, empower us to challenge the

structures and indifference that

preserve inequality in our world.

STATION 13 Jesus dies on the cross “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46

Sr Kinga, a Caritas partner, provided health services in Simbu in the highlands of Papua New Guinea for ten years. She heard the call of the Lord and was faithful to the end.

Holy Spirit, empower us to live our lives in

faithful service.

STATION 14 Jesus is buried “Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb… Luke 23:53

Joseph treated Christ’s body with dignity. So many are not treated this way. How will I help to uphold human dignity?

Holy Spirit, renew us so that we uphold the

dignity of all as children of God.

If you want peace, work for justice.

Picture credits:

Marden DeanMolly MullenThemba MadzvimboRomy ElufsaRichard WainwrightLuis PazJustine McMahonStephanie LalorEquipo MaizCaritas AustraliaSara A. Fajardo/ CRS

For further information about Caritas Australia please contact:

1800 024 413

www.caritas.org.au