The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene is compelled to bear the Cross

V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
R. because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

You struggle on in manifest distress.
Alarmed, your escort fear that you may die
before you can be crucified, unless
the Cross is laid upon some passer-by.

So Simon of Cyrene is compelled
to take up and to bear the Cross abhorred;
and thus is brought, his first resentment quelled,
to own you as his Master and his Lord.

Prayer

O HOLY JESUS, give me your grace that I may not refuse to carry my cross, whatever form it may take.  Grant that I may peacefully accept my death and any pains which may accompany it.  I now offer it, in union with your own death, and pray that it may be my final and total consecration of myself to you.  As you have died for love of me, help me, Good Lord, to love you without wavering to the end.

Act of contrition

O GOD, we love you with our whole hearts and above all things, and are heartily sorry that we have offended you.  May we never offend you any more.  May we love you without ceasing, and make it our delight to do in all things your most holy will.

Our Father   Hail Mary

V. O Saviour of the world, who by your Cross and precious Blood has redeemed us,
R. save us and help us, we humbly beseech you, O Lord.