Way of The Cross by Franciscans International

12 Jesus dies on the cross The Way of the Franciscans International
CROSS
Today in more than 100 countries voices are crying out in pain from www.FranciscansInternational.org
acts of torture. Unspeakable forms of violence continue to be used as
a means to attain information or confessions of guilt.
Franciscans around the world live and work in poverty among
Lord, remind the victims of torture that you are there with them, sharing a reflection on Christ’s those whose human rights are often violated. In the spirit of
their pain. For people who suffer and die with you, may they find relief
in your everlasting mercy. May our compassion for victims of calculated
violence help us to denounce these crimes against humanity.
D E AT H saints Francis and Clare, we work to change social structures
that perpetuate injustice. In this struggle, we experience the
RESURRECTION Way of the Cross today.
13 Jesus is taken down from the cross

Many of our sisters and brothers have grieved with others during the
1 Jesus is condemned to death
Currently, 69 countries continue to retain the death penalty. As
burial of close friends who were killed as martyrs for speaking the Christians, we are taught to believe that all life is sacred. Who are
truth in the face of injustice. we to bestow judgments upon another human life?
Lord, so many people are standing by graves today, feeling hopeless and Lord, as we recall our Savior’s own execution, we pray for your forgiveness.
fearful, wondering how to rebuild a life in your love. Let us show them Let our communities serve the Gospel of life which consistently promotes
your saving grace and renew their convictions that their loved ones are and celebrates human dignity.
free from pain and fear.
14 Resurrection
Franciscan communities run schools, hospitals, counselling centers,
2 Jesus takes up the cross
There are billions of people throughout the world who suffer from
shelters, and specialise in many other services that aid the poor. Their extreme poverty; a cycle that perpetuates itself from one generation
dedication in the spirit of Francis and Clare renews our belief and to the next. Daily, they experience hunger, dependency, ridicule, lack
hope-filled participation in Jesus’ resurrection! of housing, poor sanitation, and exploitation.
Lord, we pray for all of the Christian communities that celebrate your Lord, we pray for the victims burdened with the cross of extreme poverty.
passion, death, and resurrection. Help us to become an active sign of the Show us effective ways in which we can share our resources with our sisters
new life you are bringing into our world. Jesus, thank you for leading us and brothers.
from the darkness and into the light.
Illustrations by Julie Lonneman. Geneva

37-39 rue de Vermont
New York
211 East 43rd St
3 Jesus falls for the first time
We live in a world where honor-killings, domestic abuse, female
For extra copies of Way of the Cross, please P.O. Box 104 Room 1100 genital mutilation, stoning, forced sterilisation, dowry-deaths,
contact us at [email protected]. 1211 Geneva 20 New York, NY 10017-4707 and trafficking of women are everyday occurrences. Violence against
Switzerland USA women is casually accepted in many societies. This ‘custom’ must end.
Lord, our societies often ‘fall’ into a cycle of accepted discrimination. Help
us to move people from silence in the face of such violence.
Franciscans International
www.FranciscansInternational.org
4 Jesus meets his mother
Devastating and crushing events continue to assault family life.
8 Jesus consoles the women of Jerusalem
For the past four decades, the people of Togo in West Africa have been
Each year, hundreds of thousands of families are torn apart by illegal living in a state of profound crisis. Peace is often lost within a chronic
trafficking. Often, these trafficked persons are sexually, physically, state of material and psychological poverty. There is an ongoing unrest
mentally, and economically exploited. They are the slaves of the 21st due to the desperate political situation. The plight of the Togolese,
century. among many others, is often unheard by the majority of the world.
Lord, you looked into the eyes of your mother and knew the anguish in Lord, you told the women not to weep for you, but for the people of the
her heart. May her love for you reach out through us to all families with world. Let us console our sisters and brothers by taking every opportunity
broken hearts, who are fearful for the safety of their children. to speak out against unjust governments. Let our voices be heard.
5 Simon helps Jesus carry his cross

Like Simon, many Franciscans work selflessly for those in need, be it
9 Jesus falls for the third time
In a globalizing world, many international and transnational
with the poor, the sick, the elderly or directly battling the structures corporations continue to expand within developing countries, often
that cause suffering. adversely affecting their economies and the environment. With the
destruction of forests, tainting of water supplies and air pollution,
Lord, bless all of our Franciscan sisters and brothers who live and work
corporations directly endanger the lives of people living in these
with those less fortunate.
areas.
Lord, we pray for those whose decisions affect the global economy and
environment. Help them to make choices that encourage sustainable
development.
6 Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

According to UNAIDS, 40 million people are HIV positive
10 Jesus is stripped of his clothing
Extreme poverty and war forces people to migrate. Often this
worldwide. Every day 8,000 people die from AIDS-related illnesses, vulnerable population of migrants and refugees is received with
leaving millions of children orphaned. discrimination and stripped of their basic human rights and dignity.
Lord, thank you for our compassionate sisters and brothers who work Lord, let us open our minds and hearts to those who are different from
tirelessly to create supportive communities for HIV and AIDS patients. us. Give us the courage and wisdom to stand up for migrants, displaced
Let us all work to increase discussion within church communities on the persons and the homeless until we all live in freedom with equal rights.
issues of stigma and discrimination.
7 Jesus falls for a second time

The 20th Century has witnessed the great atrocities of the Nazi
11 Jesus is nailed to the cross
Today in various countries Franciscan sisters and brothers are caught
Holocaust, the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, and the genocides in in the middle of intense religious and ethnic struggles. Surrounded by
Bosnia and Rwanda. Tens of millions of people have perished at the armed groups, they work to create dialogue in the face of terror.
hands of those who were determined to destroy a national, ethnic or
Lord, we can only begin to imagine the pains of your people who are
religious group.
nailed to the cross by terrorism. Help us as your followers to work towards
Lord, open the eyes and change the hearts of those who are bent on a peaceful co-existence between sworn enemies by developing an active
cleansing society through force, violence and blind hatred. May we find non-violent culture of understanding and acceptance.
peaceful ways to address our differences while growing as communities
that have acceptance and respect for each other.

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12 Jesus dies on the cross The Way of the Franciscans International

13 Jesus is taken down from the cross

Illustrations by Julie Lonneman. Geneva

5 Simon helps Jesus carry his cross

6 Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

7 Jesus falls for a second time

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