The Third Station: Jesus falls the first time under his Cross

V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
R. because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

In vain you look for pity or relief
as now the path, long prophesied, you tread;
despised, rejected and a man of grief,
in lamb-like silence to the slaughter led.

Exhausted by your wounds, and by the baulk
of heavy timber burning like a fire
your shoulders raw, no farther can you walk,
but fall and crumple in the city mire.

Forced to your feet, you take the Cross again.
No lashes and no curses are you spared.
You stumble on along the street of pain:
a beast of burden would have better fared.

Prayer

O HOLY JESUS, it was the weight, not only of the Cross, but of the sins of human beings which caused you so much pain.  By the merits of this first fall, save me from falling into serious sin.

Act of contrition

O GOD, we love you with our whole hearts and above all things, and are heartily sorry that we have offended you.  May we never offend you any more.  May we love you without ceasing, and make it our delight to do in all things your most holy will.

Our Father   Hail Mary

V. O Saviour of the world, who by your Cross and precious Blood has redeemed us,
R. save us and help us, we humbly beseech you, O Lord.