Order of St.

Augustine
Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines

The New Way of the Cross

THE NEW WAY OF THE CROSS

LEADER: Lord Jesus Christ, as we gather here to meditate on your Paschal Mystery,
grant us all the grace to detest sin as you did, and to spend our life for our neighbor as
you taught us through your example. Thus shall we be able to share not only in your
sufferings but also in your resurrection. You who live and reign forever and ever.

All: Amen

SONG: THE WAY OF THE CROSS (Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ)

Ref. We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, bread of life, the self-giving Lord of all, he leads the way of the cross.

The First Station

JESUS INSTITUTES THE HOLY EUCHARIST

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians

The Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread, and after he had
given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in
remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper, he took the cup saying, “This
cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of
me.” Every time, then, you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of
the Lord until he comes! (1 Cor 11:23:26)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: Lord Jesus, you loved us to the utmost. * You loved us to the end. * You remain
in the Eucharist to be for us * the food and drink that give eternal life. * You remain with
us * to be the continuous sign * of God’s saving presence in all circumstances of life.
Forgive us, Lord, * for the times we have failed to appreciate * your gift of self to us *
and your loving presence in the Eucharist.
Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, sent by God, obedient to the Father's will, he leads the way of the cross.

The Second Station

THE AGONY OF JESUS IN GETHSEMANE

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to Luke.

Jesus went out and made his way, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives. His
disciples accompanied him. On reaching the place he said to them, “Pray that you may
not be out to the test.” He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, then went down
on his knees and prayed in these words: “Father, if it is your will, take this cup from me;
yet not my will but yours be done.” In his anguish he prayed with even greater intensity,
and his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. Then he rose from
prayer and came to his disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted with grief. (Lk
22:39-42.44-45)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: It was a long, terrible night, Lord. * And not one of your disciples found the
strength * to keep you company in your agony. * Your only strength was your
determination * to do the Father’s will at all costs. And your solitary agony continues, *
even to this day, * in the loneliness of those who have no friends, * no home, no hope,
no future * …Our society is filled with them, * but we pretend not to know, * and slumber
noisily while they die * victims of neglect.

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Truth and Life, condemned by falsehood, he leads the way of the cross.

The Third Station

JESUS IS SENTENCED TO DEATH

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to Mark.

The high priest stood up before the court and interrogated Jesus: “ Are you the
Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Then Jesus answered: “I am. And you will see
the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Almighty and coming with the clouds of
heaven.” At that the high priest tore his robes and said: “What further need do we have
of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?” They all concurred
in the verdict “guilty,” with its sentence of death. As soon as it was daybreak the chief
priests, with the elders and scribes bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to
Pilate. (Mk 14:60-64.15:1)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: Lord Jesus, * you are the judge of all human beings, * yet you accepted to be
judged by biased judges. * You are the all-holy, * the only innocent on earth, * yet you
endured the condemnation of obstinate sinners. And the unfair trial goes on, *
duplicated in all the unjust sentences * through which innocent people are condemned
and rascals are acquitted. * You are still the victim of these injustices * perpetuated
against the weak, the defenseless, * the voiceless of our society, * in whom you
continue to live and suffer.

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, of the poor, condemned though innocent, he leads the way of the cross.

The Fourth Station

THE SCOURGING AND CROWNING WITH THORNS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to Matthew.

Pilate asked the crowd: “What am I to do with Jesus, the so-called Messiah?” They all
shouted, “Crucify him!” He said, “Why, what crime has he committed?” But they shouted
louder, “Crucify him!” After having Jesus scourged, Pilate delivered him to be crucified.
Then the soldiers, weaving a crown out of thorns, fixed it on his head, and stuck a reed
in his right hand. Then they began to mock him by dropping to their knees before him,
saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” (Mt 27:22-20)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: Instigated by your enemies, * the mob wanted you dead, dear Jesus, * and Pilate
didn’t think it was worthwhile * to uphold justice and protect your innocence. * So the
mad mob had its way. * The Roman soldiers had their way * as they reduced your body
to a bleeding wound * and crowned your head with thorns and mockery. And you didn’t
open your mouth in protest. *You endured it all, * meek, like a lamb to be slaughtered; *
silent, like the millions of exploited simple people, * oppressed by the ruthless, * while
many of us turn a blind eye * to such blatant injustices.

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, Redeemer, crowned with piercing thorns, he leads the way of the cross.

The Fifth Station

JESUS CARRIES THE CROSS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to Matthew.

When they had finished mocking Jesus, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in
his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. (Mt 27:31)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: Dear Lord, * the cross was the punishment for criminals and insurgents. * Who
could believe that it was placed on the shoulders of the Son of God, * the source of all
holiness and goodness? And yet, you accepted it in all humility * because you knew that
such was the condition * to save us from eternal damnation. The cross you accepted to
carry was our cross * - the cross of our sins, * the cross of our weaknesses, our
discouragements, * our failures, our wickedness. To this very day, * innocent men,
women and children are made to bear * the cross of other people’s faults, greed, pride,
lust. Grant us the grace, dear Lord, * never to burden others with our moral defects, *
and bravely to carry with you * the cross of our daily duty.

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, Victor through the saving cross, He leads the way of the cross.

The Sixth Station

JESUS FALLS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Book of the Prophet Isaiah.

Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, while we thought
of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted. But he was pierced for our
offenses, crushed for our sins, upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole; by
his stripes we were healed. (Is 53:4-5)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer
All: The distance from the Praetorium to Calvary was not long * - just a few
hundred meters. But it took you long, Lord, to walk that stretch, staggering painfully *
and groping in vain for help … * Your strength had long deserted you. * The road was
uneven. * The crowd was merciless. * The cross was becoming heavier * and heavier,
till it weighed you down… * down to the dust! Like you, Lord, * so many of us stagger
and fall * along the hard way of the cross * that life becomes when trials and failures *
overwhelm us and crush us to the ground. When we stumble and fall, * Lord, be our
support! And when our brothers and sisters seem unable to carry the burden of their
trials, * Lord, give us a compassionate heart, * that we may not add insult to injury.

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, humble servant aided by Simon, He leads the way of the cross.

The Seventh Station

SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS CARRY THE CROSS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to Mark.

A man named Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was coming in from
the fields. The soldiers pressed him into service to carry the cross of Jesus. (Mk 15:21)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: Simon just happened to pass there * on his way home from the fields. * He was
forced to make a detour * - a detour that changed the course if his life. * Forced to carry
your cross, Lord Jesus, * he himself became a victim of oppression and injustice. * He
experienced a share of your pain, Lord, * and thus discovered what life can be * if one
wants to help others. Send us more simon of Cyrene, Lord. * Send us people who have
the courage * to shoulder the crosses of others in brotherly solidarity and patience. *
Make us like Simon, Lord. * Grant us the strength and generosity to carry one another’s
burden, * for our society is crowded with poor Christs * crushed by crosses of all shapes
and weights.

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, our healer, consoler of those who grieve, He leads the way of the cross.

The Eighth Station

JESUS MEETS THE PIOUS WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to Luke.

A great crowd of people followed Jesus, including some women who beat their breasts
and lamented over him. Jesus turned to them and said: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not
weep for me. Weep for yourselves and for your children. The days are coming when
they will say, ‘Happy are the sterile, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that
never nursed.’ Then they will begin saying to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills,
‘Cover us!’ If they do these things in the green wood, what will happen in the dry?” (Lk
23:27-31)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: Lord Jesus, * those women of Jerusalem were surely sincere in their sorrow for
you. * They were brave enough to follow you along the road to Calvary. * But you
directed their attention to the cause of your suffering * - SIN, and the punishment which
unrepentance would bring down on all. We wish we were as sincere as they were * in
lamenting the unfair treatment to which you were subjected. * And we wish likewise, that
we were equally sensitive * to the suffering of our neighbor * - especially the squatters,
the jobless, the homeless, * and all the other victims of human injustice and exploitation.
* For it is all these forms of sin * which bring down God’s well-deserved punishments on
our society.
Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, Son of David, stripped of his glory, He leads the way of the cross.

The Ninth Station

JESUS IS STIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS AND NAILED TO THE CROSS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to Luke.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there,
one on his right, the other on his left. (Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know
not what they do.”) They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and
watched; the rules, meanwhile sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save
himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God.” (Lk 23:33-35)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: Lord, * those hands of yours which caressed the children, * blessed the sick
and chased demons away * are now nailed mercilessly to the wood of the cross. * Your
feet which had taken you from village to village * in an effort to bring the Good News of
the Kingdom to all, * are now immobilized forever… * your enemies dare you to come
down from the cross. * But you don’t. Not because of the nails, but because of your love
for us sinners. It was love which brought you there. * It is love that keeps you there.
Lord Jesus, * grant us the grace to do our duties * out of love and with love, * even
when all this resembles the pain of the crucifixion.

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, good shepherd, on the cross crucified, He leads the way of the cross.
 The Tenth Station

JESUS FORGIVES THE REPENTANT THIEF

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to Luke.

One of the criminals hanging in crucifixion blasphemed Jesus: “Aren’t you the Messiah?
Then save yourself and us!” But the other one rebuked him: “Have you no fear of God,
seeing that you are under the same sentence? We deserve it, after all. We are only
paying the price for what we’ve done, but this man has done nothing wrong.” He then
said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter upon your reign.” And Jesus replied, “I
assure you: this day you will be with me in paradise.” (Lk 23:39-43)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: Lord Jesus, * there was so much sincerity * in the public confession of the
repentant thief… * so much faith and trust * in the words he addressed to you. * The
man really believed in your mercy. * He believed in your kingdom. * And you did not
disappoint him. We often meet people who have done wrong * and would like to begin a
new life. * Lord, grant that we may always be as well disposed to them * as you were to
the repentant thief. * In this way, we, too, * will end the course of our life * sharing the
faith and trust of the good thief, * and hearing your promise of eternal life.

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, Son of Mary immolated for all of us, He leads the way of the cross.

The Eleventh Station

MOTHER MARY AND THE BELOVED DISCIPLE AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Leader: From the Gospel according to John.

Near the cross of Jesus there stood his mother, his mother’s sisters, Mary the wife of
Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Seeing his mother there with the disciple whom he loved,
Jesus said to his mother, “Woman, there is your son.” In turn he said to the disciple,
“There is your mother.” From that hour onward, the disciple took Mary into his care. (Jn
19:25-27)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: “Suffering, like a sword, will pierce your heart,” * had prophesied old Simeon. *
On Calvary, Mary experienced the fulfilment of that prophesy in its fullness. * And once
again she said in her heart, * “Let it be done to me as you said.” No one on earth loved
you as your Mother did, Lord; * nor did you love any other person on earth as you loved
her. * And she was there, * witness and sharer of your redeeming suffering. * By
entrusting her to John, you provided for the remaining days of your Mother. * By
entrusting John to her, you provided for all mankind, * for you gave us all * your very
own mother as our mother. May we be as loving children to her as you were.

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, Lamb of God, for us sinners crucified, He leads the way of the cross.

The Twelfth Station

JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to John.

After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be
fulfilled, Jesus said, "I thirst." There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a
sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had
taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
(Jn 19:28-30)
(A considerable length of silence may be observed here.)

Prayer

All: We were all condemned to die because of our sins, * and you took upon
yourself * the death penalty that you alone did not deserve. You had only one life, dear
Lord, * life all of us, * and you gave it up of your own free will, * that we might live
forever. * It was our sins, it was your love for us that killed you, * dearest Jesus. Before
you breathed your last * you said you were thirsty - * thirsty for love. * Today we offer
you * the solace of our repentant love, Lord. * We want to love you * also for the days
when we failed to do so. We want to love you for all those who refuse to love. * And
may we, at the end of our stormy life, * die confidently pronouncing your last words, *
“Father, into your hands I comment my spirit!”

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

Verse: Christ, our Savior in the tomb laid to rest, He leads the way of the cross.

The Thirteenth Station

JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to Matthew.

When evening fell, a wealthy man – Joseph of Arithmathea, arrived. He was another of
Jesus’ disciples, and had gone to request the body of Jesus. Thereupon Pilate issued
an order for its release. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in fresh linen, and laid it in
his own tomb which had been hewn from a formation of rock. Then he rolled a huge
stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away. (Mt 27:57-60)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: Lord Jesus, * the dark night of death has engulfed you. * The only bright lights *
are the tender love of your Mother, * the faithfulness of John * and the friendship of
Joseph of Arithmathea and a few others. * You are laid in the tomb * like a precious
treasure placed in a chest; * like a seed hidden in the soil. Your burial gives meaning
and hope to our burials. * Thanks to you, * they have become the tranquil sleep in the
lap of mother earth, * trustfully awaiting the joyful awakening * when the dawn of our
resurrection * will break the fetters of death forever.

Ref: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of
poverty and misery, marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory, to God's life
and endless glory.

The Fourteenth Station

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Leader: From the Gospel according to Matthew.

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene came
with the other Mary to inspect the tomb. Suddenly there was a mighty earthquake, as
the angel of the Lord descended from heaven. He came to the stone, rolled it back, and
sat on it. Then the angel spoke, addressing the women: “Do not be frightened. I know
you are looking for Jesus the crucified. He is not here. He has been raised, exactly as
he promised. Go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead.’” (Mt
28:1-2, 5-6)

(Pause for silent reflection)

Prayer

All: Jesus, * your holy body could not undergo the corruption of the sepulcher. * The
tomb could not hold you longer than it was needed * to prove that your death was real. *
Now the shattered seals, * the entrance stone rolled back, * the testimony of the angel *
prove that our resurrection is real. It also proves in advance * that we too shall rise.
Your resurrection, Lord, * is the pattern of our resurrection even now. * It is a challenge
to all of us to rise, * from the death of sin to the life of grace. Jesus, you are the Lord of
the living. * Thank you, Lord, * for dying for us. * Thank you for rising for us.
 CONCLUSION

Priest: Let us now pray for the intention of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

1 Our Father… 1 Hail Mary… 1 Glory be…

Final Prayer

Priest: All-powerful and ever-living God, your only Son died for our sins and rose
triumphantly from the dead. In your goodness, raise up your faithful people to be one
with him in the eternal life of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Priest: And may the blessing of Almighty God: Father, Son ✠ and the Holy Spirit,
descend upon us and with us remain always.

All: Amen.

If there is no priest:

Leader: Praise be the Name of the Lord.

All: Now and forever.