The Eighth Station: Jesus Consoles the Women of Jerusalem Image courtesy of St Raphael's Parish, Surrey. www.straphael.org.uk The disciples of Jesus have deserted their Master, and fearful for their own safety, have abandoned Him to His fate. Peter who would die for Him, Matthew who left all to follow Him, are far from Him now and dread to be pointed to as His friends. Yet Jesus is not alone. A …

The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls a Second Time Image courtesy of St Raphael's Parish, Surrey. www.straphael.org.uk Jesus falls a second time, crushed beneath the weight of His awful sufferings which are fast draining His strength. Exhausted and spent He lies upon the rough-paved ground, a cruel resting place for His bleeding, lacerated body. Vainly He tries to rise, for love impels Him on to the consummation of the sacrifice, but …

The Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus Image courtesy of St Raphael's Parish, Surrey. www.straphael.org.uk As the sorrowful procession moves slowly on, a woman, who with anxious gaze has watched its approach, steps forward and wipes the sacred face of Jesus. It is a simple action, yet reveals the kindly thoughtfulness of a charitable heart. Gladly would Veronica have done all in her power to lessen the sufferings …

The Fifth Station of the Cross: Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross Image courtesy of St Raphael Parish, Surrey. www.straphael.org.uk When God lays a cross upon us, some misfortune, some unexpected burden, instead of thanking Him for this precious gift, too often we rebel against His will. We forget that our Saviour never sends a cross alone, but ever sweetens its bitterness, lightens its weight by His all-powerful …

The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Blessed Mother Image courtesy of St Raphael Parish, Surrey. www.straphael.org.uk To sensitive souls the pain they cause others is far worse than any sufferings they may endure themselves. They may have much to endure, but to see others in pain causes them deeper grief. Jesus and Mary meet. Alone He could have suffered with joy so that she, His dearest Mother, might have been …

The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time Image courtesy of St Raphael's Parish, Surrey. www.straphael.org.uk Bravely has our Lord borne the galling weight of His cross; bravely has He struggled on, tottering and stumbling, longing for a moment’s rest, yearning for a respite however short. But rest He will not, that He may teach us how unfalteringly we must press on to our goal. But nature will have its …

The Second Station: Jesus Takes Up His Cross Image courtesy of St Raphael's Parish, Surrey. www.straphael.org.uk Away from the palace now a sad procession is winding. On the faces of the multitude a fiendish joy is written, they have had their wish and now issue forth to glut their eyes on the dying struggles of the suffering innocent One. Painfully He is toiling up the long narrow street, narrower still …

We are now about half way through Lent. At this stage it is easy for our dedication to wane somewhat; the enthusiasm of Ash Wednesday is behind us; the solemnity and beauty of Holy Week is still a few weeks away. This seems to be an appropriate time to introduce the Stations of the Cross based on the writings of Fr Doyle. For each of the next 14 days a …