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THIRTEENTH STATION: The Body of Jesus is Placed in the Arms of His Mother

Pieta
Giovanni Bellini, 1460s
Oil on Canvas

  

 

Removed from the Cross, the lifeless body of Jesus is returned to the arms of his Mother, the one who cradled him in her arms at Bethlehem on the night of his birth.  The face of the Blessed Virgin Mary is covered in grief, a mother’s heart broken by the humiliating death of her beloved Son. 

As you meditate upon the imagery of Station Thirteen, and Mary’s love for her Son, consider the love of parents for their children all throughout the world.  Consider the burden, the heartbreak, and the suffering endured by parents in the developing world as they see their children die because of disease, malnutrition, conflict, or child trafficking.

To learn more about the challenges facing children in the developing world – and how you can help –visit the U.S. Coalition for Child Survival at http://www.child-survival.org/

Officiant:              We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
People:                  Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. 

Officiant:              All you who pass by, behold and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow. My eyes are spent with weeping; my soul is in tumult; my heart is poured out in grief because of the downfall of my people. "Do not call me Naomi (which means Pleasant), call me Mara (which means Bitter); for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me."

Officiant:              Her tears run down her cheeks:
People:                  And she has none to comfort her.

Officiant:              Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your tender mercies’ sake.

People:                  Amen.

All:                         Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.

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