our death.

_Prayer_

O JESUS, O Mary! I am the cause of the great and manifold pains which
pierce your loving hearts. O that my heart also would feel and
experience at least some of your sufferings! O Mother of sorrows, let me
participate in the sufferings which thou and thy Son endured for me, and
let me experience thy sorrow, that, afflicted with thee, I may enjoy thy
assistance in the hour of my death.

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.

Fifth Station

SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS TO CARRY THE CROSS

SIMON of Cyrene was compelled to help Jesus carry His cross, and Jesus
accepted His assistance. How willingly He would permit you also to carry
the cross! He calls you, but you hear Him not; He invites you, but you
decline. What a reproach, to bear the cross reluctantly!

_Prayer_

O JESUS! Whosoever does not take up His cross and follow Thee is not
worthy of Thee. Behold, I join Thee in the way of Thy cross; I will be
Thy assistant, following Thy footsteps, that I may come to Thee in
eternal life.

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.

Sixth Station

VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS

IMPELLED by devotion and compassion, Veronica presents her veil to Jesus
to wipe His disfigured face. And Jesus imprints on it His holy
countenance; a great recompense for so slight a service. What return do
you make to your Saviour for His great and manifold benefits?

_Prayer_

MOST merciful Jesus! What return shall I make for all the benefits Thou
didst bestow on me? Behold, I consecrate myself entirely to Thy service.
I offer and consecrate to Thee my heart. Imprint upon it Thy sacred
image, never to be effaced again by sin.

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.

Seventh Station

JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME

JESUS, suffering under the weight of His cross, again falls to the
ground; but His cruel executioners do not permit Him to rest a moment.
Pushing and striking Him, they urge Him onward. It is the frequent
repetition of our sins which oppresses Jesus. Witnessing this, how can I
continue to sin?

_Prayer_

O JESUS, son of David, have mercy on me! Offer me Thy helping hand, and
aid me that I may not fall again into my former sins. From this very
moment I will earnestly strive to reform; nevermore will I sin. Do Thou,
O sole support of the weak, by Thy grace, without which I can do
nothing, strengthen me to carry out faithfully this my resolution.

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc.

Eighth Station

THE DA