A Very Short Way of the Cross To Pray During Lent

I share the Stations of the Cross every Friday, but this one is short enough that it can be prayed daily during Lent and the Stations are indulgenced.

From Aleteia

By Philip Kosloski

This Way of the Cross is one of the shortest ones, as it can be prayed in five minutes (or less).

One of the most powerful prayers during Lent is the Way of the Cross, which invites us to retrace the events that led up to Jesus' crucifixion on Mount Calvary.

However, it's not always easy to find the time to pray the pious devotion, as we all lead very busy lives with very little margin.

The good news is that there is no single way to pray the Way of the Cross, and while some versions may take longer, there are other options that take considerably less time.

One option is a method reportedly used by Franciscan friars when they went out on missions. Franciscans have always had a close link to the Way of the Cross as they have had a constant presence in the Holy Land since the 14th century.

Here is their short Way of the Cross that can be prayed in about five minutes, depending on how long you meditate on each station.

Short Way of the Cross

First Station
Jesus Condemned to Death

O Jesus! So meek and uncomplaining, teach me resignation in trials.

Second Station
Jesus Carries His Cross

My Jesus, this Cross should be mine, not Thine; my sins crucified Thee.

Third Station
Our Lord Falls the First Time

O Jesus! By this first fall, never let me fall into mortal sin.

Fourth Station
Jesus Meets His Mother

O Jesus! May no human tie, however dear, keep me from following the road of the Cross.

Fifth Station
Simon the Cyrenean Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

Simon unwillingly assisted Thee; may I with patience suffer all for Thee.

Sixth Station
Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

O Jesus! Thou didst imprint Thy sacred features upon Veronica's veil; stamp them also indelibly upon my heart.

Seventh Station
The Second Fall of Jesus

By Thy second fall, preserve me, dear Lord, from relapse into sin.

Eighth Station
Jesus Consoles the Women of Jerusalem

My greatest consolation would be to hear Thee say: "Many sins are forgiven thee, because thou hast loved much."

Ninth Station
Third Fall of Jesus

O Jesus! when weary upon life's long journey, be Thou my strength and my perseverance.

Tenth Station
Jesus Stripped of His Garments

My soul has been robbed of its robe of innocence; clothe me, dear Jesus, with the garb of penance and contrition.

Eleventh Station
Jesus Nailed to the Cross

Thou didst forgive Thy enemies; my God, teach me to forgive injuries and forget them.

Twelfth Station
Jesus Dies on the Cross

Thou art dying, my Jesus, but Thy Sacred Heart still throbs with love for Thy sinful children.

Thirteenth Station
Jesus Taken Down from the Cross

Receive me into thy arms, O Sorrowful Mother; and obtain for me perfect contrition for my sins.

Fourteenth Station
Jesus Laid in the Sepulcher

When I receive Thee into my heart in Holy Communion, O Jesus, make it a fit abiding place for Thy adorable Body. Amen.

"Jesus, Mary, I love You, save souls."

From the Apostolic Penitentiary:

A plenary indulgence is granted to those who piously make the Way of the Cross. The gaining of the indulgence is regulated by the following rules:

1. Must be done before stations of the cross legitimately erected.

2. 14 stations are required. Although it is customary for the icons to represent pictures or images, 14 simple crosses will suffice.

3. The common practice consists of fourteen pious readings to which some vocal prayers are added.. However, nothing more is required than a pious meditation on the Passion and Death of the Lord, which need not be a particular consideration of the individual mysteries of the stations.

4. A movement from one station to the next is required. But if the stations are made publicly and it is not possible for everyone taking part to go from station to station, it suffices if at least the one conducting the exercise goes from station to station, the others remaining in their places.

5. Those who are "impeded" can gain the same indulgence if they spend at least one half and hour in pious reading and meditation on the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ.