The Way of the Cross
According to the Method of St. Alphonsus Liguori
Alfonso María de Liguori
ISBN 9780895553133
eISBN 9781505103052
ASIN B00ZD1VFGE
Back in 2006 a year after I started writing reviews for newspapers and magazines I wrote a couple of posts with quick short reviews of various Stations of the Cross or Way of the Cross versions that I used often. This was one of the volumes covered. Since then I have written longer reviews of several of those Stations, but I had not yet done this one. I actually have three variations on this booklet. I have this specific edition from TAN in Booklet format, audio book, and eBook. The different stations I have from Saint Alphonsus Liguori are:
The Way of the Cross – TAN Books Booklet
The Way of the Cross – TAN Books Audio Book
The Way of the Cross- Catholic Way Publishing
The wording in the TAN edition and the Catholic Way Publishing are nearly identical. The difference is the TAN Edition includes the Nihil Ovstat, the Imprimatur from the 1908 Benziger Brothers edition. There is also a note about an Impratur from a 1913 edition. TAN Books retypeset it in 1987 and again in 2007. I have had one of this format in booklet edition since late in High School, and still often see them in racks at the back of parishes. The version from the CTS has modernized the language and is based on a different translation. But Back to this edition.
The short description of this booklet is:
“We consider this the best Way of the Cross we have ever seen. Traditional, edifying pictures. The Stabat Mater is given in Latin and English.”
It should be noted the Latin is at the beginning of each station and the English at the end. The full description contains:
“The greatest gift we have received is the Passion and Death of Our Lord. How often have we meditated upon this treasure so dearly bought for us? Learn from a saint’s reflections on the greatest act of love, and pray the stations of the Cross with a Doctor of the Church: St. Alphonsus Liguori. With this pocket-sized booklet, you will have easy access to the most beloved version of the Way of the Cross. The method of St. Alphonsus is spiritually enriching and prayerfully composed. In this booklet, all fourteen Stations of the Cross are complemented by traditional illustrations and the Stabat Mater in both Latin and English.
…
Included with the method of St. Alphonsus in this accessible devotional are:
A preparatory prayer
A prayer to Jesus Crucified
Steps to gain a partial or plenary indulgence
This booklet gives you the chance to deepen your devotion to Christ Crucified no matter what you’re doing or how busy you are. Because it is compact, clearly organized, and complete with traditional prayers, it is perfect for every Catholic!”
This edition includes returning to the altar for the Prayer to Jesus Crucified at the end. It is followed by the Stabat Mater in parallel. We are also informed that:
“This versicle and response are not found in the Liguori Way of the Cross but are borrowed from the Franciscan method for the purpose of increased devotion.”
A sample station is:
“Ninth Station
JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME.
Eia Mater, fons amoris,
Me sentire vim doloris.
Fac, ut tecum lugeam.
NINTH STATION
Jesus falls the Third Time.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee,
R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Priest: Consider the third fall of Jesus Christ. His weakness was extreme, and the cruelty of His executioners excessive, who tried to hasten His steps when He had scarcely strength to move.
People: Ah, my outraged Jesus, * by the merits of the weakness that Thou didst suffer in going to Calvary, * give me strength sufficient to conquer all human respect * and all my wicked passions, * which have led me to despise Thy friendship. * I love Thee, Jesus, my love, with my whole heart; * I repent of having offended Thee. * Never permit me to offend Thee again. * Grant that I may love Thee always, * and then do with me what Thou wilt. *
Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory Be.
V. Lord Jesus, crucified,
R. Have mercy on us!
O thou Mother! fount of love,
Touch my spirit from above.
Make my heart with thine accord.”
I love the eBook and booklet edition of this devotion from TAN and having recently picked up the audio version read by Joe Hunninghake, I look forward to praying along with it and reviewing it separately.
This is a Way of the Cross that I have been using for over 30 years. I try and pray a stations each Friday throughout the year and every day during Lent. I can easily recommend this version. I use both this edition and the modernized version from the Catholic Truth Society often. I can easily recommend this version for personal, family, small group or even public devotion. This is truly a classic and a Stations worth having in your home, school, or church library.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!
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