2nd Station: Jesus takes up his cross

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

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

Reader:
Serena is a widow living in the outskirts of Addis Ababa. She has five children; the youngest is five years old. She herself is thirty-five, but looks fifty-five. Each morning, along with many other women, she walks for miles to gather firewood. When her load is full, she walks many miles back to Addis Ababa, with her back straining under the weight of the wood. Then she sells the firewood for the pittance that will feed her family for the day. For her there seems to be no hope, no escape from her daily toil.

Let us pray

Loving Jesus, you accepted your cross upon your back. For you there was no escape, but for us your cross has become our sign of hope.
Give us the courage to accept the cross that you ask us to carry, and the faith to believe that you will walk beside us.

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

2nd Station: Jesus takes up his cross