TRIPTYCH STATIONS

The Stations of the Cross at our main church

The stations were carved by Bolesław Parasion, specifically for St. Mary's. The interior of the triptychs follows a scriptural Stations of the Cross; the exterior shows unrelated scenes. In current practice, the stations are opened for Ash Wednesday and remain open until the autumnal equinox.

These prayers were taken from Pope St. John Paul II's scriptural Stations of the Cross.

Stabat Mater translation by Fr. Edward Caswall (1814-1878).

Click here to return to the general Stations of the Cross page and to access the Stations at Old Town.

PRAYER BEFORE MAKING THE STATIONS

Let us pray.
God of power and mercy,
in love you sent your Son
that we might be cleansed of sin
and live with you forever.
Bless us as we gather to reflect
on his suffering and death
that we may learn from his example
the way we should go.
We ask this through that same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

At the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
all His bitter anguish bearing,
now at length the sword has passed.

O how sad and sore distressed
was that Mother, highly blessed,
of the sole-begotten One.

Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying glorious Son.

THE FIRST STATION

THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26,36-41)

• Center panel: Jesus at prayer in the garden. Mark 14,32-36. Jesus, give me the courage to follow you in this great struggle. Help me too, to pray, "Not my will, but thine be done."
• Left panel: Jesus at prayer in the garden. Mark 14,37-42. Jesus, keep my heart awake and my soul ready. For the hour of my passion and death shall rush upon me unexpected.
• Right panel: The Angel of mercy. Luke 22,43-44. Gracious Father, send your angel of mercy in the hour of my need. Strengthen me to face the trials of daily life.
• outside: Noah's Ark.

Lord, grant us your strength and wisdom, that we may seek to follow your will in all things. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother’s pain untold?

THE SECOND STATION

THE ARREST OF JESUS

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Then, while [Jesus] was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, "the man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely." He came and immediately went over to him and said, "Rabbi." And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him. (Mark 14,43-46)

• Center panel: The Kiss of Judas. Mark 14,43-46. Jesus, it is not the weapons of nations that do the most violence in this world. Rather, it is the daily weapons we use against one another that hurt the most. Help me to identify my moments of betrayal of those you give me to love.
• Left panel: The servant's ear is cut off. Mark 14,47-49. Jesus, I want to defend you, but I do not listen. Open the scriptures for me.
• Right panel: The flight of Mark and the other disciples. Mark 14,50-52. Jesus, I am afraid, naked, and ashamed.
• outside: Moses strikes the rock.

Lord, grant us the courage of our convictions that our lives may faithfully reflect the good news you bring. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother’s pain untold?

THE THIRD STATION

THE JEWISH TRIAL OF JESUS

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, "If you are the Messiah, tell us," but he replied to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied to them, "You say that I am." Then they said, "What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth." (Luke 22,66-71)

• Center panel: Jesus stands before the High Priest and the Sanhedrin. Matthew 26,57-63. Jesus, for the times I have raised my defenses to the unknown and lacked trust in you, I am sorry.
• Left panel: The self-revelation of Jesus before the Sanhedrin. Matthew 26,63-68. Jesus, help me to acknowledge you as the Messiah and do not let me fear the suffering of the Cross.
• Right panel: The temple is destroyed. Matthew 26,59-61. Jesus, show me your true church, your body, not built by human hands.
• outside: Living water comes from the church.

Lord, grant us your sense of righteousness that we may never cease to work to bring about the justice of the kingdom that you promised. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
she beheld her tender Child
all with bloody scourges rent.

THE FOURTH STATION

THE DENIAL OF PETER

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about!" As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus the Nazorean." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man!" A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away." At that he began to curse and to swear, "I do not know the man." And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: "Before the cock crows you will deny me three times." He went out and began to weep bitterly. (Matthew 26,69-75)

• Center panel: Peter in the courtyard (Peter's second denial). Mark 14,68-71. Jesus, let me know the subtle ways I deny you.
• Left panel: The woman at the gate (Peter's first denial). Mark 14,66-68. Jesus, help me to share my faith with the people I meet day to day.
• Right panel: The cock crows (Peter's third denial). Mark 14,70-72. Wake and cease rejecting the Lord!
• outside: John the Baptist baptizes Jesus.

Lord, grant us the gift of honesty that we may not fear to speak the truth even when difficult. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

For the sins of His own nation,
saw Him hang in desolation,
till His spirit forth He sent.

THE FIFTH STATION

THE ROMAN TRIAL OF JESUS

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

The chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin, held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He said to him in reply, "You say so." The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, "Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of." Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.... Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barrabas... [and] handed [Jesus] over to be crucified. (Mark 15,1-5.15)

• Center panel: "Are you the king of the Jews?" John 18,33-38. Jesus, my king, my savior: open to me the truth of your love, the gift of your life.
• Left panel: Barabbas. Matthew 27,15-18.20-23. Jesus, forgive me for standing with the crowd; help me to stand up for what I believe.
• Right panel: Pilate washes his hands. Matthew 27,24-25. Jesus, teach me to wash my hands in real innocence (Ps 26), and not merely in a wicked ablution.
• outside: Philip baptizes the Ethiopian.

Lord, grant us discernment that we may see as you see, not as the world sees. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

O thou Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with thine accord.

THE SIXTH STATION

JESUS IS JUDGED

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said,"Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck him repeatedly. (John 19,1-3)

• Center panel: Ecce homo. John 19,12-14. Jesus, Lamb of God, forgive me for the hurtful judgments I have made.
• Left panel: Jesus is scourged. Mark 15,15. Jesus, my sins wound you; forgive me.
• Right panel: Jesus is crowned with thorns and mocked by soldiers. Matthew 27,27-31. Jesus, forgive my blasphemies against you, your holy name, your church, your body.
• outside: The Spirit over the waters of creation.

Lord, grant us patience in times of suffering that we may offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Make me feel as thou hast felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ my Lord.

THE SEVENTH STATION

JESUS BEARS HIS CROSS

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

When the chief priests and the guards saw [Jesus] they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him." ... They cried out, "Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. (John 19,6.15-17)

• Center panel: Jesus takes up his Cross. Mark 15,20. Jesus, be the center of my life.
• Left panel: Parable of the vineyard. Matthew 21,33-42. Jesus, guard me from my own selfishness.
• Right panel: Martyrdom of Stephen. Acts 7,51-8,1. Jesus, help me to give witness to my faith despite opposition.
• outside: The Tower of Babel.

Lord, grant us strength of purpose that we may faithfully bear our crosses each day. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Holy Mother! pierce me through,
in my heart each wound renew
of my Savior crucified.

THE EIGHTH STATION

SIMON OF CYRENE

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

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

• Center panel: Simon takes up the cross piece for Jesus. Luke 23,26. Jesus, I too need the help of others to carry my cross; help me to support them in the crosses they carry.
• Left panel: Jesus fallen. (Jesus falling is not mentioned in scripture, but it is hard to imagine the Passion without it.) Jesus, give me the courage to complete my journey to your Father.
  
• Right panel: The two thieves. Luke 23,32.33. Thank you, Jesus, for you are not embarrassed to be with me when I am counted among the despised and sinful.
• outside: Thomas touches the risen Jesus.

Lord, grant us willing spirits that we may be your instruments on earth. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Let me share with thee His pain,
who for all my sins was slain,
who for me in torments died.

THE NINTH STATION

THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.' At that time, people will say to the mountains, 'Fall upon us!' and to the hills, 'Cover us!' for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?" (Luke 23,27-31)

• Center panel: Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem. Jesus, I pray for the victims of violence, war, and conflict; do not abandon us, O Lord.
• Left panel: Veronica's veil. (This episode is not mentioned in scripture, but is held in tradition.) Jesus, let me be an image of you to others.
• Right panel: Rachel weeps for her children; the slaughter of the innocents foreshadows Jerusalem's destruction. Jeremiah 31,15-17. Jesus, protect the unborn, the children, the childlike; protect the precious gift of life.
• outside: Pentecost.

Lord, grant us gentle spirits that we may comfort those who mourn. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Let me mingle tears with thee,
mourning Him who mourned for me,
all the days that I may live.

THE TENTH STATION

JESUS IS CRUCIFIED

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

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."] (Luke 23,33.34)

• Center panel: Jesus hangs on the cross with an inscription above. John 19,19-22. Jesus, vulnerable before me in your nakedness, teach me to be vulnerable.
• Left panel: Jesus is stripped of his garments. John 19,23.24. Jesus, the whole world seems to be tearing itself apart; keep me close to you always.
• Right panel: Jesus is taunted by the crowds. Mark 15,29-32. Jesus, give me the courage to defend you and your church from those who belittle and demean it.
• outside: The Hebrews collect manna in the morning.

Lord, grant us merciful hearts that we may bring your reconciliation and forgiveness to all. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

By the Cross with thee to stay,
there with thee to weep and pray,
is all I ask of thee to give.

THE ELEVENTH STATION

JESUS AND THE REPENTANT THIEF

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, "Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23,39-43)

• Center panel: Jesus and the good thief. Jesus, despite my slowness to repent, grant me mercy, and to the whole world.
• Left panel: The unrepentant wrongdoer. Jesus, forgive me for the times I have doubted your love.
• Right panel: The entry of the good thief into paradise. "Jesus"—it was the good thief who addressed you by your name in your Passion; let it be on my lips as I die.
• outside: Elijah under the broom tree.

Lord, grant us perseverance that we may never stop seeking you. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
let me share thy grief divine.

THE TWELFTH STATION

JESUS AND HIS MOTHER

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. (John 19,25-27)

• Center panel: Jesus with Mary standing at the Cross. Mary, porta caeli, open to me that I may enter into your Son's eternal life.
• Left panel: The beloved disciple takes Mary into his own. Mary, sorrowful mother, help me to love your Son in the midst of my own sorrows.
• Right panel: Mary Magdalene and the other women at the Cross. Mary Magdalene, apostle to the apostles, give me courage when I am misunderstood and maligned.
• outside: The church at a meal.

Lord, grant us constancy that we may be willing to stand by those in need. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Let me, to my latest breath,
in my body bear the death
of that dying Son of thine.

THE THIRTEENTH STATION

JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit"; and when he had said this he breathed his last. (Luke 23,44-46)

• Center panel: Jesus breathes his last. Mark 15,33-37. Jesus, embrace my soul in my darkness and end my fears.
• Left panel: The temple veil is torn. Matthew 27,51-53. Jesus, may we always rely on the gift of the church's sacraments.
• Right panel: The soldier's acclamation of faith. Matthew 27,54. Truly, Jesus, you are the Son of God.
• outside: Multiplication of loaves and fishes.

Lord, grant us trust in you that when our time on earth in ended our spirits may come to you without delay. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Wounded with His every wound,
steep my soul till it hath swooned,
in His very Blood away.

THE FOURTEENTH STATION

JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB

R. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
V. Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. (Matthew 27,57-60)

• Center panel: The women see Jesus laid in the tomb. Mark 15,42-45. Jesus, give me courage to follow you without fear.
• Left panel: The women at the foot of the Cross. Matthew 27,55-56. Jesus, forgive me for my inertia before injustice.
• Right panel: The women go to the tomb of Jesus to anoint him. Mark 16,1-8. Jesus, thank you for leading me along the path of your Cross to the power of your Resurrection.
• outside: The Last Supper.

Lord, grant us your compassion that we may always provide for those in need. Amen.

I love You, Jesus, my love, above all things;
I repent with my whole heart for having offended You.
Never permit me to separate myself from You again.
Grant that I may love You always,
and then do with me what You will.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

R. Have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Have mercy on us.

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
lest in flames I burn and die,
in His awful Judgment Day.

Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,
by Thy Mother my defense,
by Thy Cross my victory.

While my body here decays,
may my soul Thy goodness praise,
safe in paradise with Thee. Amen.

PRAYER AT THE END OF THE STATIONS

Lord Jesus Christ,
your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven
and reconciles all people to you.
May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries
follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit
God, for ever and ever. Amen.