The Stations of The Cross

Earlier today I received a number of copies of The Stations of The Cross.  The publisher is Messenger Publications and the text is one I prepared for the Pilgrimage to the Cathedral in Ballaghaderreen for the Year of Mercy.  The Gospel at Mass that weekend (March 2016) was the text around the woman caught committing adultery who was dragged before Jesus.  Her accusers wanted her condemned to death by stoning, in accordance with tradition and wanted to see how Jesus would react.  If he agreed, what did this say about his mercy and if he didn’t what had it to say about his lack of respect for tradition?  We know the story. I decided to base the Stations of The Cross around this woman, in the belief that she must have become a follower of Jesus having encountered such wonderful mercy.

Donal Neary, S.J., the editor of The Messenger Magazine said he would be willing to publish the text.  Today’s package is the outcome of that. I am grateful to Fr Donal and all at Messenger Publications for doing this.  There’s something “nice” about seeing it in print.  I hope the booklet is liked by and helpful to anyone that might use it. The images used are from Harry Clarke Stations of The Cross in Belvedere College.

Just recorded a clip of me reading the woman’s “imagined” introduction …. I hope you like it. The response to the reflections was taken from Pope Francis’ letter for the Year of Mercy – “The name of God is mercy” and, so it is.

The Stations of The Cross are now available and I hope may be found in churches, bookshops and on line form www.messenger.ie