The Mystery

THIS Station represents the place where Jesus Christ, in the presence of His afflicted mother, is stretched on the Cross, and nailed to it. How insufferable the torture - the nerves and sinews are rent by the nails.

Consider the exceeding desolation, the anguish of the tender Mother eyewitness of this inhuman punishment of her beloved Jesus. Generously resolve then to crucify your [evil] desires, and nail your sins to the wood of the Cross. Contemplate the suffering resignation of the Son of God to the will of his Father, [and compare this with your impatience] in trifling afflictions, in trivial disappointments. Purpose henceforth to embrace your cross with ready resignation to the will of God.

Prayer

PATIENT JESUS, meek Lamb of God, who promised: "When I shall be exalted from earth I will draw all things to myself," attract my heart to You, and nail it to the Cross. I now renounce and detest my past impatience. Let me crucify my flesh with its concupiscence and vices. Burn [and cut away my wrong], but spare me for eternity. I throw myself into the arms of Thy mercy. Thy will be done in all things. Grant me resignation, grant me Thy love, I desire no more. Amen, JESUS.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be..., Etc. ...
Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us

You Christian hearts now join with Mary's grief;
Heaven and earth behold deny relief;
Her heart was pierced with bitter grief to see
Her loving Jesus nailed unto a tree.