THE ELEVENTH STATION

Begin with an Act of Contrition

O my God, because you are so good, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you and by the help of your grace I will not sin again.

V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

R. Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

The Cross is laid on the ground, and Jesus stretched upon it, and then, swaying heavily to and fro, it is, after much exertion, jerked into the hole ready to receive it. Or, as others think, it is set upright, and Jesus is raised up and fastened to it. As the savage executioners drive in the huge nails, He offers Himself to the Eternal Father as a ransom for the world. The blows are struck - the blood gushes forth.

Yes, they set up the Cross on high, and they placed a ladder against it, and, having stripped Him of His garments, made Him mount it. With His hands feebly grasping its sides and cross-woods, and His feet slowly, uncertainly, with much effort, with many slips, mounting up, the soldiers propped Him on each side or He would have fallen. When He reached the projection where His sacred feet were to be, He turned round with sweet modesty and gentleness towards the fierce rabble, stretching out His arms, as if He would embrace them. Then He lovingly placed the backs of His hands close against the transverse beam, waiting for the executioners to come with their sharp nails and heavy hammers to dig into the palms of His hands, and to fasten them securely to the wood. There He hung, a perplexity to the multitude, a terror to evil spirits, the wonder, the awe, yet the joy, the adoration, of the holy angels.

Concluding Prayers:

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.

V. Have mercy on us, O Lord.

R. Have mercy on us.

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.