A Short Way of the Cross

The Text of the Short Way of the Cross (As Used by the Franciscan Fathers on Their Missions)

Here’s the classic version that’s circulated widely in Franciscan circles (from sources like Secular Franciscan sites and mission booklets):

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

First Station: Jesus Is Condemned to Death
O Jesus! so meek and uncomplaining, teach me resignation in trials.

Second Station: Jesus Carries His Cross
My Jesus, this Cross should be mine, not Thine; my sins crucified Thee.

Third Station: Our Lord Falls the First Time
O Jesus! by this first fall, never let me fall into mortal sin.

Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Mother
O Jesus! May no human tie, however dear, keep me from following the road of the Cross.

Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
My Jesus, blest, thrice blest was he who aided Thee to bear the Cross. Blest too shall I be if I aid Thee to bear the cross by patiently bowing my neck to the crosses Thou shalt send me during life.

Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
My Jesus! Thou didst imprint Thy sacred features upon Veronica’s veil; stamp them indelibly upon my heart.

Seventh Station: The Second Fall of Jesus
By Thy second fall, preserve me, dear Lord, from relapse into sin.

Eighth Station: Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem
My greatest consolation would be to hear Thee say: “Many sins are forgiven thee, because thou hast loved much.”

Ninth Station: The Third Fall of Jesus
O Jesus! when weary upon life’s long journey, be Thou my strength and my perseverance.

Tenth Station: Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments
My soul has been robbed of its robe of innocence; clothe me, dear Jesus, with the garb of penance and contrition.

Eleventh Station: Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross
Thou didst forgive Thy enemies; my God, teach me to forgive injuries and FORGET them.

Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross
Thou art dying, my Jesus, but Thy Sacred Heart still throbs with love for Thy sinful children.

Thirteenth Station: Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross
Receive me into thy arms, O Sorrowful Mother; and obtain for me perfect contrition for my sins.

Fourteenth Station: Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb
When I receive Thee into my heart in Holy Communion, O Jesus, make it a fit abiding place for Thy adorable Body. Amen.

Brother Estanislao (also known as Hermano Estanislao or Bro. Estanislao Karrer in some sources) was a young Spanish religious brother (1903–1927) who entered the novitiate of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers, or Lasallians) in Bugedo, Burgos, Spain, at the age of 18. He lived a short but intensely holy life, marked by heroic self-offering to Jesus through Mary. In October 1926, he made a total donation of himself; soon after, he fell ill with tuberculosis and died in March 1927 in the odor of sanctity.

According to accounts from his master of novices and spiritual director, Brother Estanislao was a privileged soul who received private revelations from Our Lord. His confessor and theologians recognized these as authentic supernatural graces.

At his director’s request, he wrote down several messages, including a set of promisesmade by Jesus to those who practice devotion to the Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross / Via Crucis).These promises are often associated with the Short Way of the Cross (the concise Franciscan-style version we discussed earlier), as this brief, fervent form was popular in missions and among the faithful for frequent use.

The promises apply to any devout praying of the Stations, but they’re frequently shared alongside short versions to encourage daily or weekly practice, especially during Lent or Fridays.

The Promises Made by Our Lord to Those Devoted to the Way of the Cross(As recorded from Brother Estanislao; variations exist in wording across sources, but the core is consistent. These are private revelations, pious beliefs—not dogma—and should be approached with faith and prudence, always in harmony with Church teaching.)

1. I will grant everything that is asked of Me with faith when making the Way of the Cross. 
2. I promise eternal life to those who pray, from time to time, the Way of the Cross. 
3. I will follow them everywhere in life and will help them, especially at the hour of death. 
4. Even if they have more sins than blades of grass in the fields or grains of sand in the sea, all will be erased by this devotion (note: this does not replace sacramental confession for mortal sins). 
5. Those who pray it often will enjoy a special glory in Heaven. 
6. I will deliver them from Purgatory—indeed, if they go there at all—the first Tuesday or Friday after their death. 
7. I promise them My greatest graces. 
8. They will never be separated from Me; I will give them the grace never to commit a mortal sin again. 
9. I will bless them at each Way of the Cross, and My blessing will follow them everywhere on earth and in Heaven for eternity.
   (Additional ones in some lists include protection from relapse into sin, special help in trials, and extraordinary consolations.)