Way of the Cross at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy
Fr. Kenneth Dos Santos, MIC (Introduction)
ISBN 9781596142688
eISBN 9781596142800
ASIN B00DSV01DE
This is a wonderful version of the Stations of the Cross. I absolutely love the sculptures by Timothy P. Schmalz, I have not seen these life sized stations in person but even the images in the book are very moving and powerful. I recognized his style from the cover of this volume immediately. His artwork is stunning; I even have a couple replicas on my desk. The description of this book is:
“This gem is the newly-revised, expanded Way of the Cross commemorating the Blessing of the life-size Stations of the Cross at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy, home of Marian Press, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It contains St. Faustina's Way of the Cross (compiled from the Diary of St. Faustina and Scripture) and the Traditional Way of the Cross based on the version by St. Alphonsus Liguori. In addition, fourteen meditations - one for each Station written by Marian Priests and Seminarians, provide insightful reflections on Christ's Passion.”
Another description is:
“Containing St. Faustina's Way of the Cross and the Traditional Way of the Cross as well as fourteen meditations written by Marian Priests and Seminarians, this beautiful prayerbook is illustrated with images of the life-size Stations of the Cross at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!
This Way of the Cross booklet features the epic, life-size Stations of the Cross at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass. It contains "St. Faustina's Way of the Cross," compiled from the Diary of St. Faustina and Scripture, as well as the "Traditional Way of the Cross" based on text by St. Alphonsus Liguori. This special expanded edition also includes meditations on each Station written by Marian priests and seminarians, and a photo collage documenting the artistic process of world-renowned Christian sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz of Ontario, Canada, who made the Stations.”
The booklet was originally published in 2001, the eBook released in 2013 and now a new reprint is available as a physical volume. I have the eBook and love having them with me all the time. But no matter which edition you get this is a wonderful volume to have in your collection of prayer and devotional booklets. The book has the following elastically approvals.
“Imprimi Potest:
Very Rev. Fr. Kazimierz Chwalek
Provincial Superior
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy Province
January 7, 2013
For text from the English Edition of Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska:
Nihil Obstat:
George H. Pearce, SM
Former Archbishop of Suva, Fiji
Imprimatur:
Joseph F. Maguire
Bishop of Springfield, Mass.
April 9, 1984”
I love that this volume has the stations by both Saint Alphonsus Liguori, which is one of my favourites and also the way of Saint Faustina's Way. The final section is a series of reflections on the Stations. A sample of each station is:
“THIRD STATION:
Jesus Falls the First Time
C. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
P. By Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
C. We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; But the Lord laid upon Him the guilt of us all (Isaiah 53:6, 12).
Jesus: (C.) Involuntary offenses of souls do not hinder My love for them or prevent Me from uniting Myself with them. But voluntary offenses, even the smallest, obstruct My graces, and I cannot lavish My gifts on such souls (1641).
S. Faustina: (P.) My Jesus, despite Your graces, I see and feel all my misery. … O my Jesus, how prone I am to evil, and this forces me to be constantly vigilant. But I do not lose heart. I trust God’s grace, which abounds in the worst misery (606).
All: Merciful Lord, preserve me from every, even the tiniest but voluntary and conscious infidelity.
C. You, who suffered wounds for us,
P. Christ Jesus, have mercy on us.
Sung Verse:
Is there one who would not weep,
Whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother to behold?”
And
“THIRD STATION:
Jesus Falls the First Time
Celebrant: We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You.
People: By Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Meditation: Laboring under the weight of the Cross, Jesus slowly sets forth on the way to Calvary. His agony in the garden has exhausted His Body; He is sore with blows and wounds; His strength fails Him; He falls to the ground under the Cross.
Prayer: It was for my sins, my Jesus, that You bore the heavy burden of Your Cross and fell under its weight. Let my remembrance of these sufferings make me careful, lest I fall into mortal sin.
Celebrant: You, who suffered wounds for us,
People: Christ Jesus, have mercy on us.”
This is an excellent little volume, and one I will use time and time again. I highly recommend this booklet to you.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
For all other reviews of Stations of the Cross click here.
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