THE WAY OF THE CROSS

The Stations of the Cross is a popular devotion consisting of appropriate meditations before each of 14 stations representing successive stages in the Passion of Our Lord. The Way of the Cross is the most heavily indulgenced devotion in the Catholic Church; it is a devotion reputed to have been originated by Our Lady herself, who, legend has it, set up the original Way of the Cross in Her backyard in Ephesus. Moreover, the great saints all affirm that meditation on the Passion and Death of Our Dear Savior is the most fruitful that one can engage in.

Brother Estanislas, a young Spaniard, at the age of 18 entered the Novitiate of The Brothers of the Christian Schools at Bugedo. He took the Vow of Regularity, Perfection and Pure Love. In October, 1926, he offered himself to Jesus through Mary. Soon after this heroic donation, he felt ill, and was obliged to rest. He died saintly in March 1927. He was, according to the master of novices, a privileged soul, who received Messages from Heaven. Confessors and Theologians recognized these supernatural facts. The spiritual director of Brother Estanislas (1903-1927) asked him to write down the promises that Our Lord had revealed to him for those who have a devotion to the Way of the Cross. The promises are as follows:

  1. I will grant everything that is asked of Me with faith, when making The Way of the Cross.
  2. I promise Eternal Life to those who pray from time to time, The Way of the Cross.
  3. I will follow them everywhere in life and I will help them, especially at the hour of death.
  4. Even if they have more sins than the blades of grass in the fields and the grains of sand in the sea, all of them will be erased by The Way of the Cross. (Note: This promise does not eliminate the obligation to confess all mortal sins, and this, before we can receive Holy Communion.)
  5. Those who pray The Way of the Cross often will have a special glory in Heaven.
  6. I will deliver them from Purgatory, indeed if they go there at all, the first Tuesday or Friday after their death.
  7. I will bless them at each Way of the Cross, and My blessing will follow them everywhere on earth and, after their death, in Heaven for all Eternity.
  8. At the hour of death I will not permit the devil to tempt them; I will lift all power from him in order that they will repose tranquilly in My Arms.
  9. If they pray it with true love, I will make of each one of them a living Ciborium in which it will please Me to pour My grace.
  10. I will fix My Eyes on those who pray The Way of the Cross often; My hands will always be open to protect them.
  11. As I am nailed to the Cross, so also will I always be with those who honor Me in making The Way of the Cross frequently.
  12. They will never be able to separate themselves from Me, for I will give them the grace never again to commit a Mortal sin.
  13. At the hour of death I will console them with My Presence and we will go together to Heaven. Death will be sweet to all those who have honored Me during their lives by praying The Way of the Cross.
  14. My soul will be a protective shield for them, and will always help them, whenever they have recourse.
"Next to the Mass, The Way of the Cross is the most beneficial of all devotions for the Holy Souls in Purgatory." A poor souls to a privileged nun. "Make the Stations of the Cross everyday". Our Lord to Sr. Josefa Menendez.

Booklets are available on The Way of the Cross according to the method of St. Alphonsus Liguori printed with the traditional language. This publication also contains information on how to gain a partial or plenary indulgence.

www.olrl.org/pray/

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Our Lady of the Rosary Library
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Prospect, KY 40059

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