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itinerant peoples. We are with them, in our hearts and
THE WAY OF THE CROSS
OF MIGRANTS
Year of Faith 2013
We walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor. 5.7)
WAY OF THE CROSS
World Youth Day 95
Manoling Francisco, SJ
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
OPENING PRAYER:
Leader: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you always
watch over us and wait on us. The way to you, Almighty
God, our heavenly Father is through Jesus, the way, and
the truth and the life (Jn 14:6).
All: Lord Jesus Christ, we will now walk with you and
follow your way. We will do the Way of the Cross with
love, dedication, and faith. We will walk the Way of the
Cross with our family and friends, with our migrants and
minds, on this Way of the Cross.
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Bread of Life, the self-giving. Lord of All, He
leads the way of the cross.
FIRST STATION
JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed
the world.
Scriptural Reading:
Pilate said to them, And what shall I do with Jesus called
the Messiah? All answered, Crucify him! Pilate
insisted, What evil has he done? But they shouted louder,
Crucify him! Then Pilate set Barabbas free, but had Jesus
scourged, and handed him over to be crucified.
Reflection:
We, migrants are forced to leave our home country to find
better lives in foreign lands. We seek a future that remains
elusive in our home country. Leaving family and friends
causes deep sorrow and profound sadness. It is an everyday
cross that we choose to accept and carry.
Prayer (All):
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we humbly ask you to
bless us and our loved ones. Spare us from sickness.
Restore our strength and our health. Deliver us from harm
and accidents. And lead us always to a faithful and better
life. Amen.
Glory Be
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, sent by God, obedient to the fathers will, He
leads the way of the cross.
SECOND STATION
JESUS CARRIES THE CROSS
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross,
you have redeemed the world.

Scriptural Reading:
Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified. They took
charge of him. Bearing his own cross, Jesus went out of the
city to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew:
Golgotha (Jn 19:16-17).
Reflection:
Jesus came into this world with only one aim, that is, to
accomplish the divine plan of the Father. Jesus accepted the
cross, carried it, and was crucified on it.
We migrants brave uncertain lands, bringing with us only
our faith in God and the cultural identities. We come and
work to fulfil not only our own wishes but also of those
whom we have left behind. We strive and struggle to keep
alive the hope of our loved ones. This is the cross that we
must carry.
Prayer (All):
We humbly ask you, Almighty and merciful Father,
To give us the grace and strength to follow the examples of
your Son, Jesus, to accept and carry the cross.
Help us believe and realize that the cross is our light, our
blessing, and our healing; the cross is our salvation, and we
will not be lost. Amen.
Glory be .
Refrain: We carry the saving through the roads of the
world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Truth and Life, condemned by falsehood, He
leads the way of the cross.
THIRD STATION
JESUS FALLS FOR THE FIRST TIME
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross,
you have redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
Yet ours were the sorrows he bore, ours were the sufferings
he endured, although we considered him as one punished by
God, stricken and brought low. Destroyed because of our
sins, he was crushed for our wickedness. Through his
punishment, we are made whole; by his wounds, we are
healed (Is 53:4-5).
Reflections:
Jesus gives everything to us. His body was battered and
bruised for our sake. Under its weight, Jesus collapsed. Yet
he did not stay fallen. He stood up and continued to carry
his burden.
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Many migrant workers fall victim to illegal recruiters and
human traffickers. Migrants should not remain trapped in
those downgrading situations. There should be change and
conversion. There should be help and healing. They should
be looked after with care and concern.
Prayer (All):
Almighty God, our caring Father, in your great mercy and
goodness, do not let us fall. Come to us, O Almighty God,
our caring Father. Make us stand up and rise from our
hapless situation. Make us strong and safe. Make us secure
and successful. Give us the generosity and courage to assist
those who are in need. Amen.
Glory be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ of the poor, condemned though innocent, He
leads the way of the cross.
FOURTH STATION
JESUS MEETS HIS AFFLICTED MOTHER
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross,
you have redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, See
him; he will be for the rise or fall of the multitudes of
Israel. He shall stand as a sigh of contradiction, while a
sword will pierce your own soul. Then the secret thoughts
of many may be brought to light (Lk 2:34-35).
Dramatization of the Meeting of Jesus and His
Mother, Mary
Song to the Bl. Mother: Ave Maria (children)
Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu, benedicta tu in mulieribus,
Et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, mater Dei, ora pro nobis
Nunc et in hora mortis nostrae.
Amen.
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,

Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Humble servant, aided by Simon, He leads
the way of the cross.
FIFTH STATION
SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS
CARRY HIS CROSS
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross you have
redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
When they led Jesus away, they seized Simon of Cyrene,
who was coming in from the fields, and laid the cross on
him to carry it behind Jesus (Lk 23:26).
Reflections:
Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus to carry the cross. Jesus
wants us to be another Simon of Cyrene to him and to one
another. He is telling us now, whenever you did this to
these little ones who are my brothers and sisters, you did it
to me (Mt 24:40).
Pastoral care and charity to migrants is a requirement of the
Gospel. Pastoral care of migrants signifies respectful
welcome, their protection and promotion regardless or their
religious and cultural identities. Migrants are persons who
must be included in a countrys social life and the
sacramental life of the Church.
Prayer (All):
Almighty God, our gracious Father, we humbly beg you to
make us aware of the needs and sacrifices of our brothers
and sisters. Make us sensitive to their struggle and
hardships. Make us compassionated toward our neighbours
and courteous in our dealings with them. Lead us always to
do and extend assistance to others like what your Son,
Jesus, did to us. Amen.
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Victor, through the saving cross, He leads the
way of the cross.
SIXTH STATION
VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross,
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you have redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
All you who fear the Lord, praise him! All you sons of
Jacob, glorify him! All you sons of Israel, revere him! For
he has not scorned or loathed the afflicted in his misery. He
has not hidden his face from me but has listened when I
cried to him. I will praise you in the great assembly, fulfil
my vows before all who revere you (Ps 22:24-26).
Reflection:
We, migrants, are away from home. We know there are
tears behind laughter; hurts behind smiles. We know that
despite our confident faces, there is also fear; behind the
nice clothes, there are bruises; behind colourful masks,
there are scars from lifes battles. We need to wipe away
each others doubts and disappointments, bruises and
bitterness, hardships and heartaches.
Prayer (All):
Almighty God, our ever-providing Father, we implore you
to watch over us as we travel on the road of life. Walk with
us as we go to our places of work, and wait for us as we
long to be back home. Wipe away our tears, our sadness.
Wipe away our impurities, our indifferences so we can offer
you fuller lives, better service, and pleasing prayers. Amen.
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Redeemer, crowned with piercing thorns, He
leads the way of the cross.
SEVENTH STATION
JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross,
you have redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
Jesus said, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be
glorified. Truly, I say to you, unless the gain of wheat falls
to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it
produces much fruit (Jn 12:23-24).
Reflection:
Jesus is very willing to give everything to us for our
salvation. He continues to search for us and to save us.
Jesus wants us not to give in to pain or to our problems.
Jesus wishes us not to give up in the face of trials and
troubles.

Migrants sometimes fall prey to luxuries and the temptation
of easy money. We are easily tempted by instant
gratification and false hopes. We must always realize that
no real hope or lasting comfort can be found in alcohol,
drugs and gambling. God is the true source of comfort and
peace.
Prayer (All):
Guide us now, Almighty God, and grant us your grace, that
we can resist the temptation of easy money, luxury and
material comfort. May we stand strong against the caprices
and cravings of our bodies. May we not compromise your
commandments just to acquire material possessions. May
we not be separated from you, or fall from your grace, but
always be united with you. Amen.
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Our healer, consoler of those who grieve, He
leads the way of the cross.
EIGHTH STATION
JESUS MEETS THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross,
you have redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
A large crowd of people followed Jesus; among them were
women beating their breasts and wailing for him, but Jesus
turned to them and said, Women of Jerusalem, do not weep
for me, weep rather for yourselves and for your children ...
For if this is the lot of the green wood, what will happen to
the dry? (Lk 23:27-28, 31).
Reflection:
Jesus goes out for us. He cares for us. He empathizes with
us. Jesus was not preoccupied with himself but with us. He
wants us to look deeper into our lives and to do something
with these.
We migrants worry about being accepted and adjusting in
foreign lands. We think of the well-being of their families
back home. We worry about our integration and
contribution to the society. There could be conflicts or
discriminations, opposition and contradictions. The Church
wants that each man will be loved and helped as his brother,
as his neighbour.
Prayer (All):
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Almighty God, we are far away from our loved ones. We
are separated because of our work, yet we are united by our
common dream of a better life, a brighter future.
We pray to you, Almighty God, for peace at home, and
harmony in our families. Let there be faithfulness in our
promises. Let there be success in the work that we do with
our hands. Watch over us, and help us and our families bear
our separation with understanding and strength. Amen.
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Good Shepherd, on the cross crucified, He
leads the way of the cross.
NINTH STATION
JESUS FALLS A THIRD TIME
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross,
you have redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
So then, dearly beloved, as you have been warned, be
careful less those people who have gone astray deceive you
in turn and drag you along, making you stumble and finally
fall away (2 Pt 3:17).
Reflection:
Jesus suffered so much because of love. He did everything
out of love. He was burdened by the heavy, wooden cross,
yet he did not complain. He was not bitter. He fell but he
got up his feet. He continued his journey.
Many migrants fall into depression because of the
difficulties they encounter with their work and the social
cost of migration in their family and personal relationships.
We must always remember Gods love for us and our
commitment to our families. Because of this love, we
must cling to the good, remain good, go on doing good, and
never give up.
Prayer (All):
Almighty God, our compassionate Father, We pray for our
families, especially those of the migrants. Watch over us
and be with us always. Keep us united and faithful to one
another. Make us responsible and respectful. Grant us
peace and strengthen our faith. Amen.
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,

Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Son of David, stripped of His Glory, He
leads the way of the cross.
TENTH STATION
JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GAREMNTS
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross, you have
redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and
divided them into four parts, one part of each of them. But
as the tunic was woven in one piece from top to bottom,
they said, Let us not tear it, but cast lots to decide who will
get it. This fulfilled the words of the Scripture, they
divided my clothing among them; they cast lots for my
garment. This was what the soldiers did (Jn 19:23-24).
Reflection:
In all of his sufferings, Jesus kept his purpose in mind:
obedience to the Fathers will, and the salvation of
mankind. He was not concerned with what happened to his
body. What is valuable to Jesus is our reconciliation with
the Father and with each other.
Migrants should not be treated as merchandise or tools but
as people in need of fraternal charity and solidarity. We
should not be feared or kept in isolation. We should never
be considered as burden or threat. We are not mere tools of
production. We persons made in Gods image.
Prayer (All):
Almighty God, help us to strip ourselves of the trappings of
fame and glory. Help us rid ourselves of the desire to be
popular and powerful. Help us to reject material comfort,
the easy life, and an extravagant lifestyle. Help us to
promote and protect the dignity of others, especially the
poor and vulnerable.
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Lamb of God, for us sinners crucified, He
leads the way of the cross.
ELEVENTH STATION
JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS
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LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross you have
redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
When they had led him to the place called Golgotha, which
means the Skull, they offered him wine mixed with myrrh,
but he would not take it. Then they nailed him to the
cross (Mk 15:22-24)
Reflection:
Jesus loves us so much. He assumes the burden for us. He
loves us so much that he saves us. He loves us so much that
he forgives us.
We migrants leave our home countries to seek a better life.
We want peace and prosperity for our families and
countries. We migrants should find protection, not
persecution; integration, not indifferences; acceptance, not
discrimination.
Prayer (All):
Almighty God, our caring Father, we humbly we ask you
now to grant your blessings to our loved ones whom we
have left behind.
Bless our parents that they may enjoy good health.
Bless our spouses that they may keep themselves strong
against temptation. Bless our children that they may grow
into responsible adults. Bless our homes that there will be
constant peace and happiness. Amen.
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Son of Mary, immolated for all of us, He
leads the way of the cross.
TWELFTH STATION
JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross you have
redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
At about three oclock, Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
Eloi, Eloi, lamma Sabbacthani? which means: My God,
my God, why have you forsaken me? Then Jesus cried
out again in a loud voice and gave up his spirit (Mt 27:46,
50)
Reflections:

Jesus death is a victory of love over hatred, forgiveness
over vengeance, mercy over resentment, and hope over
despair. The death of Jesus signals our rising to new life.
Migrants are very much willing to give everything they
have for the sake of their loved ones. We work hard, giving
all our time and efforts. We work responsibly and honestly.
These are our deaths: dying to selfishness, dying to sin and
self, dying to idleness and laziness, dying to vices and bad
habits.
Prayer (All):
Help us now, Almighty God, to take Jesus, your Son, as our
model and example in our earthly pilgrimage. By imitating
him and following his words, we can lovingly obey your
will. We will commit to justice and peace. We will defend
the poor and the needy. We will be ready to give up our
lives for the sake of others; not only our families, but also
our countries. Amen.
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Lamb of God, for us sinners crucified, He
leads the way of the cross.
THIRTEENTH STATION
JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross,
you have redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
Joseph of Arimathea approached Pilate, for he was a
disciple of Jesus, though secretly, for fear of the Jews. And
he asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate
agreed, so he came and took away the body (Jn 19:38).
Serenade to the Sorrowful Mother : Sa Ugoy ng
Duyan (This song is a lullaby, but sung by a son
who recalls the days when he was an infant being
put to sleep by his mother in a swinging hammock,
hence, sa ugoy ng duyan..)
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
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Verse: Christ, Our Savior, in the tomb laid to rest, He leads
the way of the cross.
FOURTEENTH STATION
JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB
LEADER: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
ALL: Because by your holy cross you have
redeemed the world.
Scriptural Reading:
So Joseph took the body of Jesus, wrapped it in a clean
linen sheet and laid it in his own new tomb which had been
cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the
entrance of the tomb and left (Mt 27:59-60).
Reflection:
Jesus accomplishes his salvific mission. He returns to the
Father. But he remains with us through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus leaves with us his examples and his words.
We migrants always remember our family and friends back
home. Despite being oceans apart and miles away, there is
a lasting bond between us and our loved ones. It is a bond
made up of memories of love, of grateful hearts, of faithful
love.
Prayer (All):
Our Almighty God, ever loving Father, we believe in you.
We offer our time, our talents and treasures for you and for
our loved ones. We have travelled far for the sake of our
families and countries. Grant us peace and allow us to
remain in you and with one another. Amen.
Glory Be .
Refrain: We carry the saving cross through the roads of
the world, through the alleys of poverty and misery,
Marching to a dawning day, to freedom and victory to
Gods life and endless glory.
Verse: Christ, Victor, raised by the Father. He leads the way
of the cross.
CLOSING PRAYER:
LEADER: Almighty God, heavenly Father, we thank you
for sending your Son, Jesus for our salvation. We thank you
for the cross of Jesus. We now commit ourselves to you.
ALL: Almighty God, we humbly implore your guiding
and caring hands to help us remain faithful and to grow in
our Christian faith. May we hold fast to the Cross and
follow in the footsteps of your Son, to His death and
Resurrection. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord.
Amen.
Glory Be
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