13th Station: Jesus is taken down from the cross

Leader: We praise you, O Christ and we bless you.

All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world

Reader
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church honours its dead by holding funeral processions through the streets prior to burial. Each procession is led by the priests, who follow on immediately behind the coffin; after the priests come the men; and then, bringing up the rear, the women and children. It is a solemn silent group, who invite those they pass to stop what they are doing and join them in a period of silent respect. The sight of often hundreds of people, pausing in silent prayer for the dead, and for those afflicted in mourning, is a powerful sign of solidarity and faith.

Let us pray

Father, may we always show respect and reverence for the dead. As Jesus was lovingly taken from the cross, may we always treat both the living and the dead as signs of your presence and as vessels of the Holy Spirit.

All: Suffering for us, you set us free, rising you gave us life. You are the Saviour of the world.

SCIAF

Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund

13th Station: Jesus is taken down from the cross