The Passionists of Holy Cross Province

The Love that Compels

Fifth Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

The Way of the Cross, Prayed in honor of the way of our martyrs in the Middle East:

Please scroll down for Spanish and Arabic Translations

5-Fifth Station 5th Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

Call: We adore you, O, Christ, and we bless you.

Response: Because by your holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.

“They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming up from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.”Mark 15:21

Meditation prayer:

Lord, God, Simon helped your son, Jesus, carry his cross; and perhaps, he wasn’t expecting to be pulled in to the scene. Today, we remember all those who have been pressed into service of all those who are carrying their crosses. To the aid workers, the food distributers, the angels of mercy sent to bring hope in whatever way it is needed. We too have a fervent desire to help our brothers and sisters. In gratitude for all the help they are receiving, we pray that you would send even more and greater help-today. Bless and protect all those who help. May I be a channel of your peace as I pray today.

Continue the Journey with the Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

 

Vía Crucis, una oración honrando el camino de nuestros mártires en Irak y el Oriente Medio:

5* Quinta Estación: Simón ayuda a Jesús a llevar su cruz

Guía: Te adoramos, oh Cristo, y te bendecimos.

Respuesta: Que por tu santa Cruz redimiste al mundo.

“Ellos obligaron a ayudar a cargar la cruz a un transeúnte, Simón de Cirene, que venía desde el campo, el padre de Alejandro y de Rufo.” Marcos 15:21

Meditación:

Señor, Dios, Simón ayudó a tu hijo, Jesús, a cargar su cruz; y tal vez, él no esperaba ser incluido en esa escena. Hoy, recordamos a todos los que han sido puestos en servicio de todos los que llevan sus cruces. Por los trabajadores humanitarios, los distribuidores de alimentos, los ángeles de la misericordia enviados para llevar la esperanza en todo lo que sea necesario. Nosotros también tenemos un deseo ferviente de ayudar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas. En agradecimiento por toda la ayuda que están recibiendo, oramos para que envíes Señor más y mayor ayuda hoy. Bendice y protege a todos los que ayudan. Que yo pueda ser un instrumento de tu paz mientras rezo hoy.

Continuamos con la próxima estación: Sexta Estación: Verónica limpia el rostro de Jesús

 

Download the Arabic Translation: Standing at the Foot of the Cross – Arabic Translation

Ash Wednesday

On March 2, the Church celebrates Ash Wednesday. 

Most of us learned early in our Catholic lives that Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, and that is a time of special sacrifice in preparation for the Easter celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection.

Dear brothers and sisters, every moment of our lives is a time for believing, hoping and loving…. These words of Pope Francis, taken from his Lenten Message of last year, 2021, and echoing the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, can still inspire our answer to the question: “What am I giving up for Lent?” 

We can draw our Lenten sacrifices out of our daily life: 

Share our faith in God’s presence by sharing in prayer with our family or with those in our parish community.
Share our hope in God’s promises by encouraging positive and respectful dialogue in our family circle and among our friends. 
Share the charity God has bestowed on us in the Passion of Jesus, with those whose sufferings are ignored or aggravated.

Let us pray for one another as we enter the season of Lent. Our Passionist “motto” can be our daily prayer during Lent, “May the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts.”