Praying the Way of the Cross

This Lent, across our archdiocese, we are being invited to reflect on the way and person of Jesus, renew ourselves in his love, and recommit ourselves to the path of discipleship. After a year where the regular structures that help us live a life of faith and grow in our relationship with Jesus were largely absent due to the global pandemic, we are encouraged to use Lent to reflect more deeply on our relationship with Jesus and be more attentive to nurturing its growth.

To aid our renewal, this scriptural Way of the Cross has been developed—incorporating images, Scripture, music, reflection and prayer. It may be used by groups or individuals, in a parish or home setting, or in an online prayer forum (such as Zoom).

It has been crafted predominantly using the Gospel of Mark and follows the scriptural Way the Cross inaugurated by Pope John Paul II. St Mark invites us to listen attentively to Jesus, the beloved Son of God, to look closely at his actions and faithfulness to his mission and, as disciples, to follow him decisively. Mark reveals that suffering is part of the journey, but Jesus’ way of love and fidelity promises us new life.

The resource features the work of the late Melbourne sculptor Leopoldine (Poldi) Mimovich, whose beautiful carved Stations of the Cross reside in the Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Deepdene.

A series of reflections directly address Jesus as we accompany him on his journey from the Last Supper to the Resurrection. Drawing on both the gospel texts and Mimovich’s artwork, the reflections provide a meaningful way into the powerful story of his Passion, inviting a new or renewed intimacy with him. Jesus’ final words in Mark’s Gospel are from Psalm 22: ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ (‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’) Other verses from this psalm are included at each station as a connecting prayer point and prompt for further reflection.

As you journey on the Way of the Cross, may this ancient form of prayer—for all times and for all seasons—invite and enable you to reflect, renew your faith and recommit your life to Jesus.