THE FOURTEENTH 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 Laid in the Tomb

But for a short three days, for a day and a half - Mary then must give Him up. He is not yet risen. His friends and servants take Him from her, and place Him in an honourable tomb. They close it safely, till the hour comes for His resurrection. 

Lie down and sleep in peace in the calm grave for a little while, dear Lord, and then wake up for your everlasting reign. We, like the faithful women, will watch around You, for all our treasure, all our life, is lodged with You. And, when our turn comes to die, grant, sweet Lord, that we may sleep calmly too, the sleep of the just. Let us sleep peacefully for the brief interval between death and the general resurrection. Guard us from the enemy, save us from the pit. Let our friends remember us and pray for us, O dear Lord. Let Masses be said for us, so that the pains of Purgatory, so much deserved by us and therefore so truly welcomed by us, may be over with little delay. Give us seasons of refreshment there; wrap us round with holy dreams and soothing contemplations, while we gather strength to ascend to the heavens. And then let our faithful guardian angels help us up the glorious ladder, reaching from earth to heaven, which Jacob saw in vision. And when we reach the everlasting gates, let them open upon us with the music of angels; and let St Peter receive us, and Our Lady, the glorious Queen of Saints, embrace us, and bring us to You, and to Your Eternal Father, and to Your Co-equal Spirit, Three Persons, One God, to reign with Them for ever and ever.

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.

Let us Pray: God who by the Precious Blood of Your only-begotten Son did sanctify the Standard of the Cross, grant, we beseech You, that we who rejoice in the glory of the same holy Cross may at all times and places rejoice in Your protection through the same Christ, our Lord.

End with one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be for the intentions of the Holy Father.