Christ died in body,
through a love greater than anyone had known.
Mary died in spirit,
through a love unlike any other since his.

 
St. Bernard of Clarivaux, 12th century

Pause to contemplate Christ’s disfigured face;
the face of a Man of Sorrows who took upon himself
the burden of all our mortal anguish.

 
Pope Benedict XVI, 21st century

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God,
have mercy on me, a sinner.

 
'The Way of a Pilgrim', the Jesus Prayer

In humility,
Christ entered the dark regions of our fallen world
and he is glad that he became so humble for our sake;
glad that he came and lived among us and shared in our nature
in order to raise us up again to himself.

 
St Andrew of Crete, 8th century

The Virgin, our Mother, who at the foot of the cross,
suffered as much as is possible for a human creature,
understands our troubles and consoles us.

 
St. Leopold Mandic, 20th century

The blood of Christ was shed for our salvation
and brought the grace of repentance to all the world.

 
St. Clement of Rome, 1st century

No one could look at God becoming a man,
running the shame of the Holy Cross
and shedding his blood so profusely,
and not draw near, and be filled with true love.

 
St. Catherine of Siena; 14th century

Let Jesus crucified be enough for you,
and with him, suffer and take your rest.

 
St. John of the Cross, 16th century