Via Crucis

Way of the Cross for the Wounded World

March 27, 2024

Divine Word College of Legazpi

Center for Spirituality and Mission
VIA CRUCIS
Way of the Cross for the Wounded World

Hymn for each stations taken from the booklet “Good Friday
Walk for Peace: Stations of the Cross” from the Archdiocese
of Chicago, 2017

This booklet is not for Sale.

For exclusive use of the DWC Legazpi Community © 2024
 Via Crucis: Way of the Cross for the
Wounded World
Opening hymn: Way of the Cross (WYD 1995)
We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world,
Through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day,
to freedom and victory
To God's life and endless glory.

Opening Prayer

Priest: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Priest: Dear Lord, as members of this educational community,
we gather to walk the Way of the Cross with you. In this
sacred journey, may our hearts be open to the depth of
your love and the challenge of discipleship. We ask for
your guidance and strength as we reflect on the
Stations of the Cross and integrate them into our lives
as educators and leaders. Help us to deepen our
commitment to be faithful and creative disciples in a
wounded world, following the example of your Son,
Jesus Christ. Grant us the grace to embody your love
and mercy in all that we do, inspiring those around us
to seek justice, show compassion, and strive for
excellence. May this sacred journey draw us closer to
you and renew our spirits as we continue our mission of
shaping minds and touching hearts.
All: Amen.
3
Leader: Lord Jesus Christ, you have saved us through the
torments of your passion and cross. Now you reign
forever in the glory of the Father. But your members
are still suffering on earth, fighting their way towards
their celestial home. In your Mystical Body you are in
agony, you carry your cross, you are put to death until
the end of the world.

All: Heavenly Father, accept the sufferings of the Mystical

Body of your beloved Son which we offer you today, so
that all people may be redeemed by his Precious Blood.

Leader: For the victims of wars.

All: We ask you, hear us.

Leader: For the sick, the poor, the exploited.

All: We ask you, hear us.

Leader: For those who are starving, especially in some parts of

Africa and Asia.

All: We ask you, hear us.

Leader: For those who despair because they do not know you.

All: We ask you, hear us.

Leader: For those who are persecuted for their faith.

All: We ask you, hear us.

Leader: You are the Lord of mercy. We pray to you, grant that
all who experience the mystery of the cross on earth
may win the glory of the resurrection in heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Hymn: Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
4
First Station:
Jesus is condemned to Death

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the
world.

Reading: Mark 15:1-5

“Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the
teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans.
So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to
Pilate. “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have
said so,” Jesus replied.

The chief priests accused him of many things. So again

Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many
things they are accusing you of.” But Jesus still made no reply,
and Pilate was amazed.”

Reflection:
Jesus faced unjust condemnation with silence and humility. In a
world quick to judge and condemn, Jesus' example challenges us
to seek understanding and compassion, especially for those who
are marginalized or misunderstood. As educators and leaders, we
are called to advocate for justice and mercy in our school
community. How can we create a culture of respect and
understanding that reflects Christ's love for all?

Hymn:
Were you there when the judge condemned my Lord?
Were you there when the judge condemned my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when the judge condemned my Lord?
 5

Second Station:
Jesus carries his Cross

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the world.

Reading: John 19:16-17

“Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the

soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went
out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called
Golgotha).”

Reflection:
As Jesus carried the weight of the cross, he teaches us to trust in
God's grace and strength in our own challenges. In our roles as
educators and leaders, we often carry heavy burdens of
responsibility. How can we support one another in carrying these
burdens and finding hope in the midst of difficulties? How can we
be a source of strength and encouragement to our colleagues and
students?

Hymn:
Were you there when he carried forth the beam?
Were you there when he carried forth the beam?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when he carried forth the beam?
 6

Third Station:
Jesus Falls the First Time

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the
world.

Reading: Isaiah 53:4-6

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we

considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for
our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned

to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us
all.”

Reflection:
Jesus' fall reminds us of our own moments of weakness and
failure. Despite our shortcomings, God's love remains steadfast. As
educators and leaders, we are called to extend this same love and
forgiveness to ourselves and others, especially in times of
difficulty. How can we cultivate a culture of forgiveness and
understanding in our school community?

Hymn:
Were you there when he fell beneath its weight?
Where you there when he fell beneath its weight?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Where you there when he fell beneath its weight
 7

Fourth Station:
Jesus Meets His Mother Mary

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the
world.

Reading: Luke 2:34-35

“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This
child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts
of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your
own soul too.”

Reflection:
Mary's presence at the foot of the cross teaches us to be a source of
comfort and strength to those who are suffering. In our roles, we
encounter students, colleagues, and parents who are facing various
challenges. How can we emulate Mary's compassion in our
relationships and actions? How can we provide a safe and
nurturing environment for those in need of comfort?

Hymn:
Were you there when he saw his mother weep?
Were you there when he saw his mother weep?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when he saw his mother weep?
 8

Fifth Station:
Simon of Cyrene Helps
Jesus Carry the Cross

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the
world.

Reading: Mark 15:21

“A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and

Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they
forced him to carry the cross.”

Reflection:
Simon's unexpected help demonstrates the power of reaching out
to others in need. As educators and leaders, we are called to be
attentive to the needs of those around us. How can we be more
open to offering and receiving help in our school community? How
can we create a culture of mutual support and collaboration?

Hymn:
Were you there when they called for Simon’s help?
Were you there when they called for Simon’s help?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they called for Simon’s help?
 9

Sixth Station:
Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the
world.

Reading: Matthew 25:34-40

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are
blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom
prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was
hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you
gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me
in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you
looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then
the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you
hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing
clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and
go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever
you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,
you did for me.”

Reflection:
Veronica's act of compassion reminds us that even small gestures
of kindness can make a difference. As educators and leaders, we
are called to see the face of Christ in others and respond with love
and mercy. How can we show Christ's love to our students,
colleagues, and community members? How can we create a culture
of kindness and compassion in our school community?

Hymn:
Were you there when the woman wiped his face?
Were you there when the woman wiped his face?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when the woman wiped his face?
10

Seventh Station:
Jesus Falls the Second Time

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the
world.

Reading: Psalm 37:23-24

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him
with his hand.”

Reflection:
Jesus' second fall reminds us to trust in God's plan for us and find
the courage to persevere in our roles. As educators and leaders, we
face challenges and setbacks. How can we support one another in
times of trial and uncertainty in our school community? How can
we cultivate a spirit of resilience and perseverance among our
students and colleagues?

Hymn:
Were you there when he fell again in pain?
Were you there when he fell again in pain?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when he fell again in pain?
 11

Eighth Station:
Jesus Meets the Women of
Jerusalem

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the
world.

Reading: Luke 23:27-31

“A large number of people followed him, including women who

mourned and wailed for him.

Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem,

do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.
For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the
childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that
never nursed!’ Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”
and to the hills, “Cover us!”’ For if people do these things when the
tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Reflection:
Jesus' words to the women of Jerusalem call us to stand in
solidarity with those who are marginalized or oppressed. As
educators and leaders, we are called to advocate for justice and
mercy in our school community. How can we ensure that all
members of our school community are treated with dignity and
respect? How can we promote a culture of inclusivity and equality?
Hymn:
Were you there when the women mourned for him?
Were you there when the women mourned for him?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when the women mourned for him?

12

Ninth Station:
Jesus Falls the Third Time

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the
world.

Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power
is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more
gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on
me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in
insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I
am weak, then I am strong.”

Reflection:
Jesus' final fall teaches us to surrender our weaknesses to God and
trust in His strength. As educators and leaders, we are called to
embrace our vulnerabilities and allow God's grace to transform us.
How can we model humility and dependence on God in our roles?
How can we create a culture of acceptance and understanding that
values each person's unique gifts and challenges?

Hymn:
Were you there when he fell yet once again?
Were you there when he fell yet once again?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when he fell yet once again?

13

Tenth Station:
Jesus is Stripped of His Garments

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the world.

Reading: John 19:23-24

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power
is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more
gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on
me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in
insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I
am weak, then I am strong.”

Reflection:
“When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing
them into four shares, one for each of them, with the
undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in
one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one
another. “Let’s not tear it, but let's decide by lot who will get it.”
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, “They
divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So
this is what the soldiers did.”

Hymn:
Were you there when they stripped him of his clothes?
Were you there when they stripped him of his clothes?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they stripped him of his clothes?

14

Eleventh Station:
Jesus is nailed to the Cross

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the
world.

Reading: Colossians 2:13-14

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of

your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our
sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which
stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away,
nailing it to the cross.”

Reflection:
The nails piercing Jesus' hands and feet symbolize His love for us.
As educators and leaders, we are called to respond to this love by
loving others, especially those who are difficult to love. How can
we show Christ's love to our students, colleagues, and community
members? How can we create a culture of love and acceptance that
reflects Christ's teachings?

Hymn:
Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?
Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?

15

Twelfth Station:
Jesus Dies on the Cross

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the world.

Reading: John 19:28-30

“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so

that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar
of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the
sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With
that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Reflection:
Jesus' death reveals the extent of His love and sacrifice. As
educators and leaders, we are called to offer our lives as living
sacrifices, united with Christ's sacrifice for the redemption of the
world. How can we live out this sacrificial love in our roles? How
can we inspire our students and colleagues to follow Christ's
example of selfless love?

Hymn:
Were you there when he yielded up his soul?
Were you there when he yielded up his soul?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when he yielded up his soul?

16

Thirteenth Station:
Jesus is Taken Down from the
Cross

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the world.

Reading: Psalm 34:17-18

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them
from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are
crushed in spirit.”

Reflection:
The tender care with which Jesus' body is taken down from the
cross reminds us to be instruments of God's healing and
compassion in our school community. As educators and leaders,
we are called to be more attentive to the needs of those around us
and respond with love and compassion. How can we create a
culture of care and support that nurtures the well-being of all
members of our school community?

Hymn:
Were you there when He lay in Mary's Arms?
Were you there when He lay in Mary's Arms?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when He lay in Mary's Arms?

17

Fourteenth Station:
Jesus is Laid in the Tomb

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and

we praise you.
(Genuflect or bow)

All: Because by your holy cross

you have redeemed the
world.

Reading: 1 Peter 2:24

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we
might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you
have been healed.”

Reflection:
As we lay Jesus' body in the tomb, we anticipate His resurrection.
May we, too, die to sin and rise to new life with Christ, faithful and
creative disciples in our roles in a wounded world. How can we
embody this message of hope and renewal in our lives and
communities? How can we inspire others to embrace the
transformative power of Christ's resurrection in their lives?

Hymn:
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me
to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

18
Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus, as we conclude this Way of the Cross, we thank you for
the opportunity to reflect on your journey to the cross and the
profound lessons it teaches us. May the reflections we have shared
today inspire us to be faithful and creative disciples in our roles as
educators and leaders. Help us to carry the spirit of the cross in
our hearts, showing compassion to all, especially those in need.
May our actions reflect your love and sacrifice, bringing hope and
healing to our school community and beyond. Guide us in our
mission to educate and nurture young minds, that they may grow
in wisdom and grace. As we await the joy of your resurrection, may
we be renewed in our commitment to follow you and spread your
message of love and salvation. We ask this in your holy name.
Amen.

Quarter Hour Prayer

Leader: God, eternal truth,

All: We believe in you.

Leader: God, our strength and salvation,

All: We hope in you.

Leader: God, infinite goodness,

All: We love you with all our heart.

Leader: You have sent the Word as Savior of the world,

All: Make us all one in him.

Leader: Fill us with the Spirit of your Son,

All: That we may glorify your name. Amen.

Leader: May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief

vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of
grace.

All: And may the Heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all
people. Amen.

19

The Way of the Cross

WERE YOU THERE Irregular

After each station:

1. Were you there when the judge condemned my Lord?

2. Were you there when he carried forth the beam?
3. Were you there when he fell beneath its weight?
4. Were you there when he saw his mother weep?
5. Were you there when they called for Simon’s help?
6. Were you there when the woman wiped his face?
7. Were you there when he fell again in pain?
8. Were you there when the women mourned for him?
9. Were you there when he fell yet once again?
10. Were you there when they stripped him of his clothes?
11. Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?
12. Were you there when he yielded up his soul?
13. Were you there when He lay in Mary's Arms?
14. Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

James E. Wilbur
Text © 1984, WLP