INTRODUCTION 

The statue you're seeing now is the first Station of the Cross in Catholic tradition. The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross, is a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers. This journey is often used as a mini pilgrimage as the faithful move from station to station, reflecting on the Passion of Christ.

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The first station, "I AM CONDEMNED TO DEATH", symbolizes the moment when Jesus was unjustly condemned by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea. Despite finding no guilt in Jesus, Pilate succumbed to the pressure of the crowd demanding Jesus' crucifixion. This moment is a profound reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus accepted on behalf of humanity.

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As a pilgrim, this statue invites you to reflect on the immense love and humility of Jesus. It encourages introspection about the times we may have unjustly judged others or allowed the crowd's opinion to sway our own. It's a call to stand for truth and justice, even when it's unpopular or difficult.

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Remember, the purpose of this station, and all the Stations of the Cross, is to help believers to make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ. It's a journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption that is central to the Christian faith.

 

 PRAYER 

OPENING PRAYER

My Lord, Jesus Christ, you have made this journey to die for me with unspeakable love, and I have so many times ungratefully abandoned You. But now I love You with all my heart; and because I love You, I am sincerely sorry for ever having offended You. Pardon me, my God, and permit me to accompany You on this journey. You go to die for love of me; I want, my beloved Redeemer, to die for love of You. My Jesus, I will live and die always united to You.

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PRAYER

Leader: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

Response: Because, by Your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

Leader: Consider how Jesus Christ, after being scourged and crowned with thorns, was unjustly condemned by Pilate to die on the cross.

Response: My adorable Jesus, it was not Pilate; no, it was my sins that condemned You to die. I beseech You, by the merits of this sorrowful journey, to assist my soul on its journey to eternity. I love You, beloved Jesus; I love You more than I love myself. With all my heart I repent of ever having offended You. Grant that I may love You always; and then do with me as You will.