Stations of the Cross

Relections on the Stations of the Cross by our F.C.J. Sisters

1st Station - Jesus is condemned to death

We remember and pray for: Faceless women condemned to death for their religious beliefs, their culture, colour or creed.

Suffering Jesus, free me from anxiety and lack of trust, restoring me like you to an enduring faith in your abiding presence to be with me and to be enfolded in your unconditional love. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

2nd Station - Jesus accepts his cross

We remember and pray for: Women who carry the cross of terrible atrocities through the misuse of power and of abuse.

Suffering Jesus, may I be open and receptive, so that I too may embrace my cross in the many ways you choose to visit my life. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

3rd Station - Jesus falls the first time

We remember and pray for: The women of East Timor who yet again fall to the burden of being displaced.

Suffering Jesus, with you may I be purified and rise again through the daily disruptions and life encounters that take me beyond my grasping control and ego-centredness. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

4th Station - Jesus meets his Mother

We remember and pray for: Women who have mourned the loss of a child through drug or alcohol addiction.

Suffering Jesus, free me from all the entraps as a woman and come to live a life true to the desires you have for me. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

5th Station Simon helps Jesus carry the cross

We remember and pray for: All women who make a stand to be the voice for the powerless.

Suffering Jesus, may I be cleaned of the residue of false messages about my identity, enabling my inner goodness and lift to shine through all I am and do. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

6th Station - Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

We remember and pray for: All women who nurture and bring forth the image of Christ in others.

Suffering Jesus, through my prayer with you may I keep being of loving service to all whose cries are left unheeded. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

7th Station -Jesus falls the second time

We remember and pray for: Women who continually fail into the same pattern of behaviour that engulfs and entraps them.

Suffering Jesus, bathed with harsh thoughts, shame, and perfectionist tendencies, may I warmly welcome others with the embrace of being non-judgmental. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

8th Station - Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

We remember and pray for: The times when we have failed to give women their true voice in society.

Suffering Jesus, through your grace may I become free from that enslaves me and brings me to become depressed and in opposition with myself. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

9th Station - Jesus falls a third time

We remember and pray for: All women who fall because they are innocent victims of war.

Suffering Jesus, free me from the clutter of cultural enticements which bring me down, so that I can enjoy the beauty of lifes simple things and relish the gifts I easily take for granted. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

10th Station - Jesus is stripped of his garments

We remember and pray for: The times when women have been stripped of their dignity.

Suffering Jesus, may I be cleansed of racism and prejudice, drawing me toward all my sisters and brothers. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

11th Station - Jesus is nailed to the cross

We remember and pray for: Those times when women have been nailed to their femininity as they have been used as objects of pleasure.

Suffering Jesus, may your cleansing waters wash over me and with your mercy and strengthened by your love, help me to move beyond whatever keeps me from union with you. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

12th Station - Jesus dies

We remember and pray for: Women who die daily to themselves in order to bring life to others.

Suffering Jesus, with you may I keep dying to myself and freely give to others. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

13th Station - Mary holds Jesus body

We remember and pray for: All refugee women who are stripped of their basic right to be with their children.

Suffering Jesus, you called each of us to "act justly, love tenderly and to walk humbly with you". May I never cease in my efforts to companion women and all who are stripped of their basic rights. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

14th Station - Jesus is buried

We remember and pray for: The unforgotten and innumerable number of women who are buried with untold stories of injustice.

Suffering Jesus, may I live for you and may all I do be done without seeking praise, thanks or reward but be done for your greater honour and glory. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.

15th Station - Jesus is resurrected to fullness of life

We remember and pray for: Every woman who through faith knows that in their suffering of intolerance, victimization, abuse, abuse of power, voicelessness, injustice, racism, and many other untold crosses will rise with Jesus to life in all its fullness.

Risen Jesus, through your suffering and the example of your life, I too come to life in all it's fullness with you. Create in me a clean heart, O Lord.