The Thirteenth Station of the Cross- Jesus’ body is taken down from the Cross and placed into the arms of His Mother.

Symbol- Picture of the Pietà

They placed the lifeless body of Jesus in the arms of His most loving Mother. As she had held the little baby body in her arms, she now received His bloodied, bruised body. This is how He obeyed the Father's will. Jesus gave His life for us. The Father gave His only Son because He loves us so much.

Mary, His Mother, our Mother and the Mother of the Church, is forever by His side. See Jesus in the arms of His loving Mother under the cross. This is love. Mary held His lifeless body in her arms. See through Mary's eyes the love He has for us! Joseph of Arimathea gave Jesus his own burial cave because Jesus didn’t have a place to be buried. Joseph was another one of Jesus’ friends who took a risk to help him.

Let’s look at Jesus

Jesus' lifeless body is taken down from the cross. All the pain and suffering as over. Mary, Jesus' mother, holds him tenderly in her arms. How sad she is.

Jesus' friends are sad too. They are crying as they hold his body.

Let’s look at our hearts

Is there someone you love who has died? When you remember that person, you think of how much you love them and how much you miss them.

Picture Jesus at your side embracing you and comforting you.

V.We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Sabbath was rapidly approaching and the crucified ones had to be taken down before the beginning of the Sabbath celebrations. A soldier pierced the side of Jesus with his spear to be sure that he was dead.

The crowd hurried to their homes before the beginning of Sabbath or they would be excluded from the celebration.

Mary stayed under the cross with her Son.

Two men came to the soldiers with orders from Pilate, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus. Joseph had offered his burial tomb for Jesus.

Jesus was gently removed from the cross. Mary held Jesus. She kissed Him and gave Him to the guards.

Dear Jesus,
how bad was your death but how gently you were removed from the cross. Help me to treat others kindly always. Sometimes it is risky to step out and help people who are in need. Jesus, I want to be a risk-taker and help others. Give me love and courage.

Mary, help me to see Jesus in all things.

Almighty Father, Help me to be a kinder, gentler person. Help me to always see the good in others This I ask through Christ Our Lord.
Amen