OPENING PRAYER (Please kneel before the icon of the Crucified Christ) OPENING SONG: Kung ‘Yong nanaisin, aking aakuin At babalikatin ang krus Mong pasanin Kung ‘Yong iibigib, iputing sa akin Koronang inangkin, pantubos sa amin KORO: Kung pipiliin, abang alipin Sabay tahakin, krus na landasin Galak ay akin, hapis ay di pansin Ang ‘Yong naisin, siyang susundin Kung ‘Yong hahangarin, Kita’y aaliwin At kakalingain, lumbay papawiin (KORO)
Deacon: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Response: Amen. Deacon: Lord, Jesus, today we lovingly recall your journey to Calvary which fulfilled you promised redemption of our sins. We remember your joyful attitude in carrying your cross. You endured physical and moral sufferings because of your unconditional love for us. Your sacrificial and merciful love is a manifestation of your forgiving heart. Lord, Jesus, as we begin to make the way of the cross, we ask you to go before us and lead us to follow your footsteps faithfully. May our journey with you strengthen our faith, hope, and love for the Church we are called to serve. (pause for a moment of silent for personal prayer) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Response: As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. First StationTHE LAST SUPPER 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ,paschal lamb, God’s perfect sacrifice, He leads the way of the cross. Deacons: We adore you. O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacons: Let us pray for the NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mathew (26:26-30) During the meal, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. “Take this and eat it,” he said, “this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to us. “All of you must drink from it,” he said, “for this is my blood of the covenant, to be poured out in behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink this fruit of the vine from now until the day when I drink it a new with you in my Father’s reign.” Then, after singing songs of praise, they walked out to the Mount of Olives. The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: Every Holy Thursday, during the Chrism Mass, we priests renews our priestly commitment before our bishop and the people we serve. Somehow, this event brings us back to the day of our ordination. It was that day when Jesus made each of us his ordained minister. Indeed that was a great moment for us because we were chosen among many despite our weaknesses. And as a newly ordained priest, each of us was surely filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit to share in the ministry of Jesus. Every year, we are blessed with a number of newly ordained priests chosen by God to serve him But it is striking to note that after only six months or a year or two in the ministry, they already complain of many struggles and hardships in the parish. Some, in fact, have given in to the temptation of an easy life or a lifestyle unbecoming of a priest. But the priesthood is a life of service: a selfless act of being a servant of God. As we share in Jesus’ priestly ministry, we must always ask where we can best serve the Church rather than where the Church can best serve us. We must be ready to give most or ourselves to the Church rather than think of what we can get most from her. (pause for a moments of silence) Prayer: (all) Lord, it is purely grace that I am ordained priest, I thank you for the gift of the priesthood. I was ordained not because I am smart and talented, nor because I am too pious and more holy, but simply because you chose me and you love me. As I tackle my priestly duties, watch over me guide me, that I may not be discouraged by negative criticisms, I may not be frustrated by the uninspiring results of my labors, I may not be embittered by the indifferences of my fellow priests and the people I serve. May I be strong against worldly allurements. May my daily celebration of the Eucharist and my daily adoration before the Blessed Sacrament be my central source of strength. Oh Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Second Station THE AGONY IN GENTHSEMANI 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, son of God, obedient to the father’s will, He leads the way of the cross Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for PRIESTS HAVING DIFFICULTIES KEEPING THEIR PROMISE OF OBEDIENCE. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mathew (26:36-46) Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsamani. He said to his disciples, “Stay here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, and began to experience sorrow and distress. The he said to them, “ MY heart is nearly broken with sorrow. Remain here and stay awake with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer. “ My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Still, let it be as you would have it, not as I.” When he returned to his disciples, he found them asleep. He sadi to Peter, “ So you could not stay awake with me for even hour? Be on guard and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but nature is weak.” Withdrawing a second time, he began to pray a third time, saying the same word as before. Finally he returned to his disciples and sais to his disciples and said to them, “Sleep on now. Enjoy the rest! The hour is on us when the SAon of Man is to be on our way! See, my betrayer is here.” Reflection: Deacon: One key struggle in our priesthood is following the will of God through our bishop and through the many events that come our way. Jesus had the same struggle when he prayed. “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass me by.” But he continued. “ if this cannot pass me by without my drinking it, your will, be done.” This made a lot of difference for he lovingly surrendered to the sill of the Father. Many times, in serving God, we would like to go our own way. Some of us stubbornly cling to our assignments even when we are already called to move out. Others just want to leave when they are requested to stay. But when we were ordained, or bishop asked us a point-black question, “ Do you promise respect and obedience to me and my successors!” Each of us responded with a loud “ I do.” And our bishop even added. “ May God who has begun the good work in your bring it to fulfillment.” As ordained ministries, we can no longer live our own lives the way we want to. We must lovingly submit to God who from now on directs our lives. Amy we constantly heed challenge of being led by God. (pause for some moments of silence) PRAYER: (All) Lord, it seems like a never ending struggle to obey your will. At times, I just feel like breaking my promise. But I know that being obedient to you through my bishop is very essential to my priesthood. I am no longer the one in control of my life; you are. Through the beautiful prayer of St. Ignatius, I humbly renew my pact of surrender to your most holy will as I pray: Take, Lord, and accept all my liberty, My memory, my understanding And my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou has given all to me. To thee, O lord, I return to all. All are thine, dispose of them Wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and Thy grace, For this is sufficient for me. May my daily agonies in my own Gethsemani be opportunities for prayerfully discerning and lovingly surrounding myself to your will. Oh Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Third Station JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, truth and life, condemned by human lies, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for the SICK AND DYING PRIESTS. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (27:15-26) Now on the occasion of a festival the procurator was accustomed to release on prisoner, whom the crowd would designate. They had at the time a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. Since they were already assembled, Pilate said to them. “Which one do you wish me to release for you, Barabbas or Jesus, the so-called Messiah?” He knew, of course, that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was still presiding on the bench, his wife sent him a message: “ Do not interfere in the case of that holy man. I had a dream about him today which has greatly upset me.” Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders convinced the crowds that they should ask for Barabbas and have Jesus put to death. So when the prosecutor asked them. “Which one do you wish to release for you?” they said, “Barabbas.” Pilate sais to them, “Then what am I to do with Jesus the so-called Messiah?” “Crucify Him!” Pilate finally realized that he was making no impression and that a riot was breaking out instead. He called for water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, declaring as he did so, “I am innocent of the blood of this just man. The responsibility is yours.” The whole people said in reply, “Let his blood be on us and o our children.” At that, he released Barabbas to them. Jesus, however, he first has scourged; then he handed him over to be crucified. The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ Reflection: Deacon: We priests ministries to the sick and the dying. We bring consolation to those we anoint, and sometimes, we even become instruments of healing, of both the body and the soul. But one inevitable fact we have to face is that we ourselves will one day be the sick and or the dying. We, too, fear this pitiful plight. Today, we have brother-priests who are very ill and are about to die, because of cancer, heart failure, old age or a permanent disability. Whether young or old, they are not exempt from this painful path of suffering. They have once been vigorously serving the Church. But this had to be put to a halt because of an illness they never wanted. It is at this point in our life and our priesthood that they need support, anointing, and prayers, We are called to emphatize with them. (Pause for some moments of silence) Prayer: (All) Lord, I pray for my brother-priests who are sick and dying. I can understand and feel what they are going through. It pains me so much to see fellow servants incapable of serving you because of a temporary or permanent illness. If you will, heal them or even just alleviate their suffering and anxieties You were unjustly condemned to death but this did not stop you from treading path of suffering. Like my sick and dying brother- priests, I, too, will inevitably undergo this plight. May you be my strength and hope when my time comes. Oh Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Fourth Station JESUS IS SCROUGED AND CROWNED WITH THORNS 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, prince of peace, pierced by violence, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for PRIESTS WHO HAVE BEEN HURT SO MUCH IN THE MINISTRY. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mathew (27:27-31) The procurator’s soldiers took Jesus inside the praetorium and collected the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and wrapped him in a scarlet military cloak. Wearing a crown out of thorns they fixed it on his head, and stuck agreed in his right hand. They began to mock him by dropping to their love knees before him, saying, “ All hail, king of the Jews!” They also spat at him. Afterward head. Finally, where they had finished making a fool of him, they stripped him of the cloak dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucifixion. The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: To be a priest today means to become vulnerable. This is the price we have to pay for being honest, transparent, and truthful in our words and actions before our fellow priests and the faithful. And when we become too vulnerable like Christ, we are scourged by the lashes of misjudgement and hurt and crowned with the thorns of mockery and insult. Sometimes, all these just become too unbearable, but we know we have to bear them for Jesus Christ There is the temptation to wrongly cope with our many hurts in the ministry, like returning harsh words to a parishioner, or withdrawing from the prebyterium or harboring grudges against superiors or persons who have hurt us the most. Many times we have given in to these temptations. But we know there is only one effective solution: FORGIVENESS and RECONCILIATION. (Pause for some moments of silence) Prayer: (All) Lord, as I try my best to be truthful and faithful servant-leader, I become more vulnerable. This is a great risk because I am prone to be hurt. I have been hurt in the past and perhaps am still feeling the pain inflicted on me- by my bishop, or my brother-priests, or a family member, or some of the very people I minister to- my parishioners. Grant me the grace, Lord, to forgive and to reconcile with them. I can never boast of my righteousness for I have also hurt people intentionally or otherwise in my priestly life. O Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Fifth Station JESUS CARRIES THE CROSS 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, Lamb of God, laden with all our sins, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for OLD AND RETIRED PRIESTS. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (19:16-17) Jesus was led away and carrying the cross by himself, went out to what is called the Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golotha). The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: Another difficult cross to carry in the life of a priest is old age and retirement. Having been so active in the ministry for years, a priest will find it very hard to accept that he can no longer be as productive and ad effective as before. Thus will lead to many insecurities because an aging priest is afraid to confront another inevitable evil: USELESSNESS. But to age and become useless before Christ makes us discover that the success of our priesthood is not measured by our accomplishments or advancements. We are first and foremost called to be FAITHFUL. (Pause for some moments of silence) Prayer: (All) Lord, I pray for my brother-priests who are now aged and have retired from the ministry. I thank you for the whole hearted service they rendered in your vineyard. They have been inspiring because of their faithfulness to you. Grant them, O Lord, constancy and consistency in the remaining years of their life. And as I get closer to old age, Lord, grant me the grace to carry this cross lovingly as you carried yours to Calvary. Oh Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Sixth Station JESUS FALLS 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, mighty Lord, fallen and weary. He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for PRIESTS HAVING DIFFICULTIES FULFILLING THE CALL TO CHASTITY AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO CELIBACY. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (23:22-25) He said to them for the third time, “What wrong with this man guilt of? I have not discovered anything about him that calls for the death penalty. I will therefore chastise him and release him. But they demanded with loud cries that he be crucified, and their shouts increased in violence. Pilate then decreed that what they demanded should be done. He released the one they asked for; who had been thrown in prison for insurrection and murder, and delivered Jesus up to their wishes. The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: To be and remain chaste and celibate is not an easy task today. We are exposed to a consumeristic and sex-starved milieu. Because of the ever-inviting pleasure principle, many of us are enticed to commit sexual sins we never really want to indulge in. For some, this has aggravated into breaking the precious vow of celibacy we made when we became clerics. But we know that chastity is a very important counsel to live by, and that celibacy as both a gft from God and a disciple of the Church makes us effective and available counter-protests in pleasure-seeking world. (Pause for some moments of silence) Prayer: (all) Lord, to be chaste and celibate lover is a very difficult challenge today. I before a pleasure seeking milieu continuously tempting me to succumb to sin. I know I am weak. And like St. Paul, my inner being cries: “I am weak flesh sold in the slavery of sin. I cannot even understand my own actions. I do not do what I want to do but what I hate. When I act against my own will, by that very fact, I agree that the law is good…What happens is that I do, not the good I will to do but the evil I do not intend. But if I do what is against my will, it is now I who do it, but sin which dwells in me. My inner self agrees with the law of God but I see in my body’s members another law at war with the law of my mind; this makes me that prisoner of the law of sin in my members. What a wretched man I am! Who can free me from this body under the power of death?” Lord, many times I have fallen but know deep in my heart that you are still there, always ready to help me rise up again. Help me not to think so much of the evil I have done but of the good I can and must do. Help me O Lord, to give myself to You unconditionally and completely. Make my heart undivided; make my whole life totally yours, O Lord. O Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Seventh Station SIMON OF CYRENE HELP JESUS CARRY THE CROSS 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world. Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ our savior, assumed our helplessness, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ and we praise You. Response: Because by Your holy Cross You have been redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us Pray for PRIESTS IN HOSPITAL AT WORK. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mathew (27:32) On their way out they met a Cyrenian named Simon. This man they pressed into service to caryy the cross. The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: As priests, we have been ordained to minister to minister to people. Some of us are particularly involved in the hospital apostolate. We try to help care for the sick especially when they are so depressed and have lost hope in life. The hospital apostolate is another difficult ministry. Priests involved in it have to be in touch with the physical, psycho- emotional, and spiritual pains of many patients. In so doing they have frist be in touch with their own pains. What a difficult cross to bear! But some priests have to be like Simon of Cyrene to help carry the cross of the sick who feels helpless and hopeless in life. (Pause for some moments of silence) Prayer: (all) Lord, accompany your priests caring for and journeying with the sick. Console them when they are depressed, inspire them when they are bored and encouraged them when they feel helpless. Be their source of strength. May they endure the sufferings of others for the sake of Your Kingdom. I, too, come across a number of sick people. Through them, I realized that I am also in need of healing. As your wounded healer, continue using me to heal those who are physically, psycho-emotionally, and spiritually wounded. Oh Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Eight Station JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, heart of God, tender to all who grieve, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for PRIEST IN FOREIGN LANDS. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (23:23-31) A great crowd of people followed him, including women who beat their breasts and lamented over him. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem do not weep for me. Weep for yourselves and for your children. The days are coming when they will say, “Happy are the sterile, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.” Then they will begin saying to the mountains, “Fall on us,” and to the hills, “Cover us.” If they do these things in the green wood, what will happen in the dry?” The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: A number of our fellow-priests have opted to work in foreign lands-mission areas, or for a special apostolate. They have also seen the value of proclaiming the good news of Jsus Christ to different points in Asis, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Especially today, when our countrymen in great numbers work in these areas of the greater. But we are well aware that to be sent to a foreign land for special mission work will demand a lot from the priest himself. A haunting fear is LONELINESS because of homesick and rejection. But some have to make this sacrifice for the Gospel to reach these ends of the earth. (pause for some moments of silence) Prayer: (all) Lord, empower your priests in foreign lands with zeal to untiringly proclaim your message of salvation in their particular mission station. Comfort them when they are lonely, console them when they are rejected, and lift up their spirit when they feel down. Grant them the firm faith they need to pursue the missionary task you called them to fulfill. As, I, too, am a missionary in my present assignment, may I also boldly share your gospel am tasked to minister to, unafraid of the ill-consequences for the sake of truth. O Jesus, teach me amidst temptation and didappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Ninth Station JESUS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, heart of God, tender to all who grieve, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for PRIESTS HAVING DIFFICULTIES KEEPING THEIR PROMISE OF POVERTY. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mathew (27: 33-35) When they reached the place called Golgotha which means the Skull, they offered him wine mixed with gall. Jesus tasted it but would not take it. There they crucified him and divided his clothes among themselves, casting lots to decide what each should take. The Gospel of the Lord Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: When we become priests, God has always provided for our personal needs. Our parishioners, friends, and family members help provide for our basic needs. Just when we can lie by what is basic, we ask for more. Human nature then dictates not only what we need but what we should have. Thus material blessings become material possessions. In the end, without realizing it, we become possessed by our own possessions. And this has even become a hindrance to identifying ourselves with the poor. But even before we were ordained, we knew that our life would be a life of KENOSIS: a life of being stripped off from the wants the world can give so as to depend solely on God. We are not called to destitute poverty. But we are challenged to keep our promise of being poor in spirit and simple in our lifestyle. (pause foe some moments of silence) Prayer: (all) Lord, I admit that there are times when I given in to materialism and avarice. Sometimes I have even equated money with ministry. Just when I have enough material blessings to keep me going in our ministry, I ask for more. I know I am called to make you my only riches. Help me to live a simple lifestyle so as to keep my promise of poverty. As I lift my whole being to you, I now pray St. Ignatius’ Prayer of Generosity: Teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve as I should. To give and not to count the cost. To light and not to heed wounds. To toil and not to seek for rest. To labor and ask not for reward. Save that of knowing that I do Your most Holy will. O Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Tenth Station THE FORGIVEN THIEF 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, heart of God, tender to all who grieve, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for PRIESTS IN THE PRISON APOSTOLATE. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (23:39-43) One of the criminals hanging in crucifixion blasphemed him: “ Are you the Messiah? Then save yourself and us.” But other one rebuked him: “ Have you no fear of God, seeing you are under the same sentence? We deserve it, after all. We are only paying the price for what we have done, but this man has done nothing wrong.” He then said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter upon you rein.” And Jesus replied, “I assure: this day you will be with me in paradise.” The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: There are also some priests assigned to care for the souls behind bars. To be a spiritual guide in a prison environment is not really that fulfilling and satisfying. One hopes to minister to a people suffering from a moral form of illness. At times, despite efforts of spiritual renewal facilitated by dedeicated prison chaplains, the prisoners just find it difficult, if not impossible, to leave their sinful lifestyle. For this reason, ony a few priests would want to volunteer and serve in the prison apostolate. (pause for some moments of silence) Prayer: (all) Lord,you forgave the repentant thief and rewarded him with paradise. May this serve as the very inspiration of our priests-chaplains providing spiritual guidance and renewal to prisoners. Instill in them the spirit of compassion to unwaveringly give themselves to the souls entrusted to them. Like many prisoners, I, too, am sometimes “locked” in my own sinfulness. Bestow on me your compassionate and forgiving love that I may humbly serve you in my present ministry. O Jesus, teach me amidst the temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Eleventh Station MOTHER MARY AND THE BELOVED DISCIPLE AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, heart of God, tender to all who grieve, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for POPE, OUR BISHOP AND ALL BISHOPS. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (19:25-27) Near the cross of Jesus there stood his mother, his mother’s sister Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. Seeing his mother there with the disciple who, he loved, Jesus said to his mother, “Woman, there is your son.” In turn he said to the disciple, “There is your mother.” From that hour onward, the disciple took her into his care. The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: Jesus entrusted Mary, his dearest Mother, to the disciple whom he loved. In a similar way, Holy Mother, the Church, is entrusted to chosen shepherds like the Pope for the Universal Church and a bishop for our diocese. The task of shepherding priests, a diocese, and the faithful is a difficult cross to bear. For a bishop, it is even a lonelier job to be in a position of ecclesiastical authority. But someone has to take on that responsibility to ensure harmony and stability in the Church. (pause for some moments of silence) Prayer: (all) Lord, grant the Pope, Benedict XVI, our bishop (name), and all bishops the spiritual stamina to endure all sort of trials that come their way. Make them persevere in their ministry of shepherding so as to become living reminders of Your Person in this world. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother and Model of Apostles, empower them with a solid faith to serve and to love all whom you have entrusted to their care. And as I work with my bishop, dear Jesus: Let me not be choosy with my assignments, Let me not work for rewards and promotions, Let me not find consolation with applause and public adulation. Make me simply a humble instrument of service and salvation t your people. O Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Twelfth Station DEATH OF JESUS 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, heart of God, tender to all who grieve, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for OUR DECEASED PRIESTS. Scripture Reading: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mathew (27:45-50) From the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabacthani?”, that is, “ My God, my God, why have you deserted me?” When some of those who stood there heard this they said, “This man is calling on Elijah,” and one of them quickly ran to get a sponge, which he dipped in vinegar and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink, “Wait,” said the rest of them, “and see if Elijah will come to save him.” But Jesus, again carrying out in a loud voice, yielded up his spirit. The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, o Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: Instead of some words of reflection, let us pause for a few moments of silence. Prayer: Deacon: Let us offer one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be for our brother-priests who have died. (after the prayer above….) Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Deacon: Eternal rest grants unto them, O Lord. All: And let your perpetual light shine upon them. All: O Lord, I thank you for them and especially the priest who baptized me; the priest who gave me my first holy communion: the priests who heard and forgave my sins; the priests who prayed and blessed me; the priest who were my inspiration to become the priest you called me to be. May their memories continue to inspire me to live my call in fidelity; in humble and joyful service, in total commitment, and in simplicity of life. O Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Thirteenth Station JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, heart of God, tender to all who grieve, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for PRIESTS ASSIGNED IN SEMINARIES. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mathew (27:57-61) When it was evening, there came a rich man from Animathea, Joseph by name. He was another of Jesus’ disciples and had gone to request the body of Jesus. Thereupon Pilate issued an order for its release. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in fresh linen and laid it in his own new tombs which have been hewn from a formation of rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb. The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: Jesus’ being laid in the tomb is a prelude to his resurrected life. In a similar way, the process of formation in seminaries is a prelude to the deepening of spiritual life in the Church through her priests. We always hear it said that the seminary is the heart of the diocese. After all, this is the place where we all came from: where we were formed. But of course, we owe a lot to the priests who formed us: our rector, our perfect, our dean of studies, our pastoral director, and especially our spiritual director. Seminary formation is a special ministry. Not all are fit for it. Not all would even want it. But the task of formation is a growing necessity, especially as we face the demands of the priestly ministry. (pause for some moment of silence) Prayer: (all) Lord, grant all seminary fathers the docility to accept your will for them in their special task of forming future priests. May they give themselves wholeheartedly to this endeavor, primarily seeking the best fruits for your Church. May they be willing instruments in producing effective servant-leaders who will truly be the salt of the earth and the light of the world I also ask that their inspiration may encourage me to become more of a spiritual formator than an administrator in their present work assignment. May I always and constantly be sensitive to the spiritual needs of your people who always hunger and thirst for Your Word of Life. O Jesus, teach me amidst temptation and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. Fourteenth Station THE RESSURECTION OF JESUS 
Song: We carry the saving cross through the roads of the world Through the alleys of poverty and misery Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory To God’s life and endless glory. Christ, heart of God, tender to all who grieve, He leads the way of the cross. Deacon: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise You. Response: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world. Deacon: Let us pray for PRIESTS WHO HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO THE CHURCH AS A WHOLE. Scripture Reading: Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mathew (28:1-10) After the Sabbath and towards dawn on the first day of the week. Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to visit the sepulcher. And all at once there was a violent earthquake, for the angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled away the stone and sat on it. His face was like lightning, his robe white as snow. The guards were shaken, so frightened of him, that they were like dead men. But the angel spoke; and he said to the women, “There is no need for you to be afraid, I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said he would, come and see the place where he lay, then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He is risen from the dead and now he is going before you to Galilee; it is there you will see him.” Filled with awe and great joy the women went quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. And there, coming to meet them was Jesus. “Greeting,” he said. And the women came up to him and falling down before him, clasped his feet. Then Jesus said to them. “Do not be afraid; o and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.” The Gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you, O Lord Jesus Christ. Reflection: Deacon: In one way or another, we priests have been an inspiration to the Church we serve. Perhaps we have shown this through our preaching, healing, and witnessing to the values of the gospel. We can never deny the fact that in our life as priests we have been a blessing to God and his people. The Lord’s resurrection has given hope to a seemingly hopeless world. Jesus’ rising from the dead has given life to a world marred by chaos, violence, and sin. Like Jesus, we are challenged to share the blessings of a Godly life to the world. May we continue inspiring the Church. (pause for some moments of silence) Prayer: (all) Lord thank you for all the graces I have received in my priestly life. The reason why I continue living as a priest is because I am tasked to share your blessing of a resurrected life. May I continue to work with, and to work like You, our eternal High Priest. O Jesus, teach me amidst temptations and disappointments to embrace once more and hold on to your Cross. Amen. CLOSING PRAYER Deacon: Lord Jesus after having reflected on your passion, death and resurrection, through this devotion called the Way of the Cross. We thank you, Lord, for being our Eternal High Priest. Response: We give you thanks, O Lord Deacon: Thank you, Lord, for your forgiving heart. Response: We give you thanks, O Lord Deacon: Thank you, lord, for preaching your love in word and deed. Response: We give you thanks, O Lord Deacon: Guide and lead us, Lord, to life everlasting. Response: Amen. Deacon: Let us pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory to the Father. | 
