FROM THE CROSS

TO GLORY
A Scriptural Way of the Cross

Rev. Michael Salvagna, C.P.

 Scripture Quotations from
The New American Bible
Copyright c 1970
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
Washington D.C.

Artwork by Sr. Christopher Marie Wagner

Sisters of St. Francis
Aston, PA

Published by
The Passionist Community
St. Paul of the Cross Monastery
148 Monastery Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 105203

Copyright c 2001
 Introduction
For centuries Christians have meditated on the last hours
of Jesus on earth through the Stations of the Cross. In ancient
days people would make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and walk
the Via Crucis in Jerusalem. Local Churches forstered this de-
votion since few people could travel to the land of Jesus’ birth.
By the 1700’s the way of the Cross was one of the most popular
expressions of love for our Crucified Savior.

The number of stations has varied through the centuries

anywhere from 7 to 30 and more. In our time we celebrate 14
stations with some versions including a 15th station, the Resur-
rection. In 1975 the Congregation of Sacred Rites suggested an
alternate list of 14 stations more in keeping with the Gospel ac-
counts. The sequence goes from the Last Supper to the Resur-
rection. This version has the advantage of portraying the
suffering, death and Resurrection of Jesus as one central mystery.
Moreover, a number of important Passion scenes are highlighted
such as Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus and the good
thief, and Jesus speaks to Mary and the Beloved Disciple.

The historical Passion should be linked to the contem-

porary Passion in order to give meaning and direction to human
suffering. I have sought to capture this idea in my prayers. Each
station begins with the appropriate Scripture passage, and then
moves into a period of reflection and summary prayer. As we ac-
company Jesus on the last journey of his life may it remind us of
our own pilgrimage from death to eternal life.

Rev Michael Salvagna, C.P.

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 Suggestions for Public Use
In the public celebration of “From the Cross to Glory” it is
recommended that three different persons lead each segment.
A slight pause between each reader is desirable. One or more
verses of a hymn, or a taped song, may be used at appropriate
places. Soft background music during the prayer segments is also
effective. Additional Scripture passages may be used after the
final prayer in order to extend the jubilant mood.e.g. In Jn 6:40
and Jn 11:25-26. The closing musical piece should be triumphant.
On Good Friday some might prefer to eliminate the 14th station
to keep within the liturgical sentiments of the day.

In the absence of a set of stations which depicts this Way of

the Cross, slides may be used most effectively. If two projectors
are utilized, one could portray the historical scenes while the
other would focus on the crucified of today. For a more reflective
experience alone or in small groups, one might pre-record the
entire sound track. Then with the use of slides or simply a large
lighted crucifix, all may meditate in a quiet manner.

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 Opening Prayer
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the

world.

Leader: Lord Jesus Crucified, it is difficult for us to under-

stand why you had to undergo such torture and
humiliation on the cross for us. Could you not save
your people in a less painful manner? Your passion
and death immerse us in an ocean of sorrow. Yet
all the more are we embraced by an ocean of un-
conditional love.

All: With heartfelt gratitude, we give you our total love

in return. We seek to be obedient to the Father’s
will as you were. As we reflect on the paschal mys-
tery, teach us how to look beyond the suffering
and death of this world to the glory of heaven.
Jesus, we acclaim you as the Lord and Savior of the
universe.

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 The First Station

Jesus celebrates the Passover meal

with his disciples
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
During the meal Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it,
and gave it to his disciples. “Take this and eat it,” he said,
“this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave
it to them. “All of you must drink from it,” he said, “for this
is my blood, the blood of the covenant, to be poured out in
behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” Mt 26:26-28

Reflection:
Jesus yearned to eat the Passover meal with his disciples. This
memorial supper recalled the sacred night in which God passed
over the houses of the Israelites and slew every first-born in the
land of Egypt. But on this occasion something new is added.
Jesus, the innocent Lamb of God, became the sacred meal. He
shares with his disciples his own body and blood. That sounds
impossible! But didn’t Jesus teach that whoever eats his flesh and
drinks his blood has eternal life? Communion with Jesus is the
beginning of everlasting life.

Prayer:
Jesus, your heart is heavy as you prepare to leave your disciples.
What more can you do for them? You choose to give yourself as
the bread of life and the cup of eternal salvation. What a beau-
tiful gift! Forgive us, Lord, for the times we did not appreciate
your presence in the Holy Eucharist. We truly desire to be united
with you, to experience new life. Show us how to share our lives
and giftedness with those around us.

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 The Second Station
Jesus prays to his Father in the
Garden of Gethsemane
V. We adore you O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
On reaching the garden, Jesus said to them, “Pray that
you may not be put to the test.” He withdrew from them
about a stone’s throw, then went down on his knees and
prayed in these words: “Father, if it is your will, take this
cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.”
Lk 22:40-42

Reflection:
Jesus frequently went to the Mount of Olives to pray. On this
night his heart is filled with fear and agony as he ponders what
lies ahead. Drops of his sacred blood ooze out from all over his
body. It is not easy for Jesus to surrender to the call of death.
Jesus bears the cup of suffering alone, with little comfort from
his disciples. With much anguish Jesus says “yes” to the will of
his Father. This humble act of obedience releases the Father’s
merciful love upon sinful humanity.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, your obedience to the Father changed the course
of history. How much our lives would improve if we became
more submissive to your will. We repent of our rebellion and our
stubbornness. Forgive us for the times we chose to do it our way
rather than your way. We trust you with the rest of our lives no
matter what comes our way. We say “yes” to the day you call us
through death to eternal life.

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 The Third Station

Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin

V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
The high priest said to Jesus: “I order you to tell us under
oath before the living God whether you are the Messiah,
the Son of God.” Jesus answered: “It is as you say it. But I
tell you this: soon you will see the Son of Man seated at the
right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of
heaven.” At this the high priest tore his robes: “He has blas-
phemed! What further need have we of witnesses? Remem-
ber, you heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?” They
answered, “He deservers death!” Mt.26:63-66

Reflection:
The Jewish leaders dare to stand in judgment of Jesus, the
Anointed of God. Their arrogance and ambition blind them to
the truth of who Jesus really is. They had no use for his teaching
on love and mercy. Jesus was at home with the broken people of
society and he severely criticized the hypocrisy of the priests and
elders. That cannot be tolerated so he has to be killed. Caiaphas
tears his robes at the so called blasphemy. Death is the pre-
arranged verdict. It is an open and shut case.

Prayer:
Jesus, so often in this world the innocent suffer injustice. You
know exactly how that feels. Darkness triumphs when good peo-
ple do nothing in the face of evil. We have been cowards at times.
We let the reputation of others suffer by our silence. Often our
consciences have been lulled to sleep by waves of passivity. Give
us courage to speak up for the defenseless and the vulnerable.
We rely on your strength when you call us to challenge the civic
and religious leaders of today.

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 The Fourth Station
Jesus is taken before Pilate
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews:?” Jesus
answered, “Are you saying this on your own, or have others
been telling you about me?” “I am no Jew!” Pilate retorted.
It is your own people and the chief priests who have handed
you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My
kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom
were of this world, my subjects would be fighting to save
me from being handed over to the Jews. As it is, my king-
dom is not here.” Jn 18:33-36.

Reflection:
The Jews hated the Romans and avoided contact with them.
Yet the chief priests and elders had to obtain permission from
the Roman governor in order to put anyone to death. Pilate could
see through their political scheming. Jesus was not the criminal
type. A little deluded perhaps. How could he be a king? There
were no soldiers to fight for him. And what does it mean to
posses a kingdom not of this world? It was all meaningless to Pi-
late. Yet he had the power to release Jesus. But that might cause
a riot. So it is more expedient for Jesus to die.

Prayer:
Jesus, it seems like everyone is out to condemn you. You are
scorned and rejected by your people as well as the Romans. Ha-
tred, ridicule and injustice are heaped upon you. Though you
were praised a few days earlier there is no one to defend you now.
But we hail you as the King of Kings and the Prince of peace.
Jesus, cleanse us from our vices and our attraction towards evil.
We desire to be permanent citizens of your kingdom. Make us
instruments of your peace and justice wherever we go.

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 The Fifth Station
Jesus is whipped and crowned
with thorns
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by you holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
Pilate had Jesus scourged and handed him over to be cru-
cified. The soldiers now led Jesus away into the hall known
as the praetorium: at the same time they assembled the
whole cohort. They dressed him in royal purple, then wove
a crown of thorns and put it on him, and began to salute
him, “All hail! King of the Jews!” Mk. 15:15-18

Reflection:
Who in his right mind would lay a hand on the Son of God? It
is unthinkable! But it happened. A Roman scourging was mer-
ciless and of itself could kill a person. The whips tore into the
flesh of Jesus and flung his precious blood everywhere. Jesus ac-
cepted this brutal torture as an innocent lamb led to slaughter.
Adding insult to injury the soldiers mock the royal Son of David.
They spit on him and strike him on the head with a reed. They
genuflect before what they consider the king of fools. Such blas-
phemy toward their Savior. If they only knew.

Prayer:
Jesus, how could you endure such agony and mockery and not
lash back? You were totally humiliated. Your body and mind
cried out for comfort and mercy. But there was none. Today our
sins continue to scourge your love and mock your mercy. Forgive
us, Lord. Open our eyes to see the brutal ways we treat our sisters
and brothers around us. For to hurt them is to hurt you. May
your precious blood be not shed in vain.

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 The Sixth Station
Jesus carries his cross
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
Finally, when the soldiers had finished making a fool of
him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own
clothes, and led him off to crucifixion. Mt. 27:31

Reflection:
The scourging has left Jesus steeped in pain. Now a cross in
placed on his bleeding shoulders to take on the last journey of
his life. He lovingly embraces the cross just as he accepts the sins
of us all. Placing one weary foot ahead of the other, Jesus trudges
onward to Calvary. His strength is failing but Jesus is determined
to go on. How challenging his words seem now, “If anyone wishes
to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and
follow in my steps.” Mk 8:34

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, life is a journey which contains joys and sufferings,
successes and heartaches. It would be so much easier without all
that physical pain, emotional anguish, and spiritual weakness.
Yet to be your faithful disciple costs a great deal. Self-denial is so
difficult for us. Some would even consider it foolishness. But we
choose to embrace the crosses which come our way just as you
did. With your help we will persevere on the road which leads to
eternal life.

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 The Seventh Station

Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus

V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
As they led Jesus away, they laid hold of one Simon of
Cyrene who was coming in from the fields. They put a cross-
beam on Simon’s shoulder for him to carry along behind
Jesus. Lk 23:26

Reflection:
The soldiers see that Jesus is too weak to go on so Simon is
picked out to help him. Who would want to assist a condemned
criminal? Is it a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong
time? Jesus, the Son of God, welcomes relief from a stranger.
Jesus cannot do it alone and his disciples have fled. Simon has
no choice in the matter. Yet what a unique opportunity to serve
his Lord. Perhaps he received the gift of faith while helping what
he thought was a common criminal.

Prayer:
Jesus, we are grateful for the Simons who have helped us
through the struggles of life. Some were even strangers. We wish
to appreciate the people around us who really care. You call us
to reach out with concern to all our sisters and brothers. It is easy
to become self-centered, to look the other way when people need
us. There are always good reasons not to get involved. Increase
our faith to see you in those whom we serve. Show us how to
bring your healing love to the crucified of today.

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 The Eighth Station
Jesus comforts the women
of Jerusalem
V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
A great crowd of people followed Jesus, including women
who beat their breasts and lamented over him. Jesus
turned to them and said: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not
weep for me. Weep for yourselves and for your children.”
Lk 23:27-28

Reflection:
It was a Jewish custom for women to lament the death of a
loved one. Jesus had some faithful mourners in his last hours.
But their tears evoke compassion and sympathy from our Lord.
He is much more concerned with their salvation and the salva-
tion of his people. He warns them of catastrophes to come if the
Jews do not repent. Jesus is a teacher and a comforter right to the
end. As long as there is life in his body he will do the saving work
of his Father.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, sometimes our sufferings lead us to indulge in self-
pity. We want others to weep and mourn for us. That thought
never crossed your mind. You were too busy giving yourself. You
lovingly reached out to the women and challenged them to weep
for themselves and for their children. Teach us how to console
those who carry larger crosses than we do. And help us not to
complain. As we minister to the less fortunate around us, we
trust that you will provide for our needs.

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 The Ninth Station

Jesus is stripped and nailed to the cross

V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
When they brought Jesus to the site of Golgotha (which means
“Skull Place”), they tried to give him wine drugged with myrrh,
but he would not take it. Then they crucified him and divided
up his garments by rolling dice for them to see what each man
should take. Mk 15:22-24

Reflection:
Upon arriving at Golgotha, the soldiers make fast work of pin-
ning Jesus to the Cross. The stripping of his garments reopens
his wounds. Each thump of the hammer brings excruciating pain
to Jesus’ body. Such inhumane torture to the Lord of life. The
final ounces of strength flow out from Jesus. What more can he
give? The words of the psalmist ring true: “They have pierced my
hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.” Ps 21:17-18

Prayer:
Jesus, it is we who should be stripped of our pride and rebel-
lion, our selfishness and injustice. We deserve to be crucified for
our sins. But your infinite love impels you to lay down your life
for us. You have taken our place on the cross. We can never give
you sufficient thanks. Forgive us, Lord, for our blindness and
hardness of heart. Heal us of the evil which lurks within us and
turns us away from your grace.

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 The Tenth Station

Jesus speaks to the good thief

V. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
One of the criminals hanging in crucifixion blasphemed
Jesus saying: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Then save yourself
and us.” But the other one rebuked him: “Have you no fear
of God, seeing you are under the same sentence? We de-
serve it, after all. We are only paying the price for what we
have done, but this man has done nothing wrong.” He then
said, “Jesus, remember me when you enter upon your
reign.: And Jesus replied, “I assure you: this day you will be
with me in paradise.” Lk 23:39-43

Reflection:
Two criminals were crucified with Jesus. One man had hatred
and bitterness in his heart. The tenderness of Jesus could not
win him over. The other man is touched by God’s mercy. He cries
out for pardon and remembrance. The good thief is among the
first to enter the kingdom of heaven. What deep peace filled his
heart as he welcomed Jesus into his life. The most hardened sin-
ner can come to know the living God. It begins with repentance.

Prayer:
Lord, your sorrowful journey to Calvary did not hinder the
power of your saving grace. You reached out to a lost son of Abra-
ham and he accepted your love and forgiveness. We pray for all
the lost sheep in the world. Reveal yourself to those who do not
believe that you exist. Shed your light upon the people who walk
in the darkness of serious sin. Use us to bring the Good News to
our family and brethren who have fallen away from the faith. Re-
member each one of us, Lord, especially those who will die this
day.
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 The Eleventh Station

Jesus speaks to Mary and

the Beloved Disciple
V. We adore you, O Christ and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
Seeing his mother there with the disciple whom he loved, Jesus
said to his mother, “Woman, there is you son.” In turn he said to
the disciple, “There is your mother.” From that hour onward, the
disciple took her into his care. Jn 19:26-27

Reflection:
One of the great sorrows of Jesus was to leave his mother be-
hind. They were such comfort and support to each other. Who
would care for her now? The beloved disciple 1 is chosen for the
honor. Jesus shares his mother not only with John, but also with
all God’s children. Mary yearns to mother us with the same love
that she showered upon Jesus. Like the beloved disciple, let us
provide a tender place for Mary in our hearts.

Prayer:
Jesus, we thank you for the gift of your mother. She was so
blessed to have you as her Son. Now we are blessed to have her
as our mother. Mary is an inspiration to all generations of Chris-
tians. Though her heart was pierced with sorrow she remained
at the foot of your cross. We invite Mary to console us in our daily
struggles and failures. Strengthen us, Jesus, to stand at the foot
of the crosses of those whom we love.

Modern scholars do not identify the beloved disciple, but traditionally

he was thought to be John.
1

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 The Twelfth Station

Jesus dies on the Cross

V. We adore you, O Christ and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
It was about midday, and darkness came over the whole land
until midafternoon with an eclipse of the sun. The curtain in the
sanctuary was torn in two. Jesus uttered a loud cry and said, “Fa-
ther, into your hands I commend my spirit.” After he said this,
he expired. Lk 23:44-46

Reflection:
Jesus is wrapped in pain and exhausted from the ordeal of the
crucifixion. Death would be a relief for him. He came to do the
will of his Father even to the point of shedding his blood. Jesus
taught us, “Greater love than this no one has than to lay down
one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 He considers us his friends
even though it is our sins which have caused his death. Now his
act of sacrificial love was completed. Jesus surrendered his life
to his heavenly Father. The end has finally come.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you seemed crushed and defeated on the cross but
really it was your greatest hour of triumph. Thank you for saving
us from eternal death and for offering us eternal life. We claim
you as the Savior and Lord of our lives. We wish to commend our
life’s journey into your hands. Teach us how to die to our selfish-
ness and to live for others as you did. We unite our sufferings to
yours on the cross for the sake of the Church. May the passion
and death of Jesus be always in our hearts.

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 The Thirteenth Station

Jesus is buried in the tomb

V. We adore you, O Christ and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body,
and in accordance with Jewish burial custom bound it up
in wrappings of cloth with perfumed oils. In the place
where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the
garden a new tomb in which no one had ever been buried.
Jn 19:40-41

Reflection:
The close disciples of Jesus were too frightened to take his body
down from the cross. Two secret admirers prepare him for burial
in the silent tomb. His sorrowful mother, Mary, takes one last
look at the bruised, lifeless body of her Son. It must have seemed
like a bad dream. What went wrong? Why did he have to die like
this? What about the promises he made? So many unanswered
questions. Confusion and discouragement surrounded Mary and
the disciples.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when they placed you in the tomb everyone
thought it was all over. The faith of your disciples was severely
tested. Death is so final. Lord, sometimes we are fearful about
our own death and what lies beyond. We too will be placed in
the cold earth and it will seem all over. But for the faithful we be-
lieve that life is changed not ended. To be united with you is the
beginning of eternal life. Like you we choose to go through the
jaws of death to the glory of everlasting life.

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 The Fourteenth Station

Jesus rises from the dead

V. We adore you, O Christ and we praise you.
R. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Scripture:
Suddenly there was a mighty earthquake as the angel of
the Lord descended from heaven. He came to the stone,
rolled it back, and sat on it. Then the angel spoke, address-
ing the women: “Do not be frightened, I know you are look-
ing for Jesus the crucified, but he is not here. He has been
raised exactly as he promised.” Mt 28:2, 5-6

Reflection:
Jesus is risen from the dead, alleluia! The sadness of Good Fri-
day gives way to the joy of Easter Sunday. What a surprise turn
of events! The disciples could hardly believe it. But it is true,
Jesus is alive. Now there is no reason to fear even death itself.
The resurrection gives proof to the truth of his words. Jesus said
that if we believe in him we will never die but be raised to eternal
life.

Prayer:
Jesus, we love you with all our hearts. You are our risen Lord
and King of the universe. May your name be glorified as we pro-
claim your resurrection from the dead. We desire to follow you
in your dying and rising. Bring us all to our heavenly home, to
the place you have prepared for us from all eternity. With all the
angels and saints we worship and adore you, our risen Savior.

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 Rev. Michael Salvagna, C.P.
St. Paul of the Cross Monastery
148 Monastery Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-381-1188 msalvagna@cpprov.org

Fr. Michael was born and raised in New York

City and joined the Passionist Congregation,
a community of priests and brothers, in 1962.
The mission of the Passionists is to proclaim
the Passion of Jesus Christ as the ultimate sign
of God’s mercy and love for all people. After
his ordination in 1969 Fr. Michael began his
ministry of preaching parish renewals and re-
treats while also being available for spiritual
Fr. Michael direction and prayer for inner healing. In 1988
Salvagna, C.P. he received a Master’s Degree in Religious
Education from Fordham University. From 1991 – 2002 he served
as Director of St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center in Pittsburgh, PA
.
Communicating the Gospel through radio and television is another
aspect of Fr. Michael’s ministry. His daily radio program, “Listen to
His Love,” aired on WEDO, White Oak, PA at 7:00 AM for many
years. He has co-hosted programs on “Getting Together,” a Christian
talk show on WPCB-TV, Cornerstone Television, Wall, PA, and has
preached in various ecumenical settings.
From 2003-2008, Fr. Michael was the Director of Passionist Com-
munications that produces THE SUNDAY MASS for television from
Pelham, NY. In 2003 he was appointed Director of St. Ann’s Media
that produced the daily Mass from St. Ann’s Basilica in Scranton,
PA until 2011. In 2008 Fr. Michael was assigned as parochial vicar
at St. Ann Basilica Parish in Scranton, PA.
In 2011 Fr. Michael returned to St. Paul of the Cross Monastery and
Retreat Center in Pittsburgh, PA. He is engaged in preaching and pas-
toral ministry. He produced a CD entitled “Healing Life’s Hurts” and
conducts workshops at the Retreat Center.
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 The Passionist Sign
The badge or Sign that each Passionist wears upon his religious
habit is the treasured symbol of the Passionist charism and com-
munity, dating back to the foundational experience of St. Paul
of the Cross.

In 1720, at the age of twenty six, Paul was granted a vision in

which he saw himself clothed in a black tunic on which there
was a white cross with the word “Jesu” under it. Paul later added
the words “Christ” and “Passion” to the Sign.

The three words in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, situated in the

midst of a heart shaped sign, relate the central motif in the story
of any Passionist. We are called to keep the memory of the Pas-
sion of Jesus alive in our hearts, and to proclaim its meaning and
power to all humankind by our words and our lives.

“May the Passion of Jesus Christ be ever in our hearts”