Note to catechists/parents: text is best read by an adult or older children. Young children will be able to answer the questions (after each question, pause and wait for replies) and say the prayers. If the Way of the Cross is being prayed with older children, the scripture passage may also be included; if younger ones are present, it is best left out so that the overall time is shortened.
If the Way of the Cross is being prayed at home, the different stations may be posted around the house and in the yard/garden. Move from one station to another prayerfully, the children may carry the cross and candles.
To prepare beforehand:
- Crucifix
- Candle and matches
- Pictures for each station mentioned (it could be a PowerPoint), instead the children may prepare them, themselves, they can either draw them or build them using Lego – see here.
Prayer
Jesus, we are going to walk beside you, along the way of the cross. We will meet the people you met. We want to do good things, we want to behave, we want to love others and, in this way, we too, will be meeting with you. Jesus, you told us that whatever we do to others, we will be doing to you. So, we will not only be praying but we will also try to do things that please you.
Jesus, we know that you love us and that you suffered a lot for us. We want to offer this prayer for all the children who are suffering because of wars, poverty, sickness and lack of love. We pray for those children who had to leave their country and go to live in other countries. Jesus, provide them assistance and people who love them and welcome them.
Thank you, Jesus, for always listening to our prayers.
Glory be.
Jesus, make my heart, more like yours.
A reading from the Gospel of Luke (23, 1-7, 11, 13-14, 23-25)
Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, “We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.”
So, Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“You have said so,” Jesus replied.
Then Pilate announced to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.” But they insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.”
On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate.
Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him.
But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. So, Pilate decided to grant their demand. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Pilate was a governor. The people took Jesus in front of him. Jesus said that he was the son of God, and the people did not believe him. They wanted to kill him. Therefore, they took him to Pilate to have him sentenced to death. However, Pilate was frightened. He did not know if Jesus was telling the truth. He was afraid of declaring that he believed what Jesus told him, because he was afraid that the Roman Emperor would turn against him and remove him from governor.
Do we sometimes act like Pilate? Are we sometimes afraid to do what is good?
Why are we afraid?
Prayer
Jesus, please help us so that we are not afraid to do what is good. Give us courage to always say the truth. Jesus, I love you and I adore you. Our Father …
I MEET JESUS
Before taking a decision, pray to God so that you make the right choice.
We should always say the truth, even if we will be punished.
A reading from the Gospel of Luke (2, 34-35, 51)
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
After Pilate, had pronounced Jesus’ sentence to death, the soldiers made Jesus carry a cross upon a hill outside the city. Many people gathered along the streets. However, there was one person, who accompanied him all the way. Do you know who this person is?
It was his mother. Like all mothers, Mary loved her son, she did not want to leave Jesus on his own, especially when she saw how much he was suffering. Mary was so sad, to see all those people who wanted Jesus to die. For sure, he had helped many of them! It could be, that he had also healed some of them, or that he had healed their relatives or friends. Jesus had helped so many people, and now they wanted him dead! Imagine how much Our Lady, wished that Jesus did not have to suffer all this and how much she wished that the soldiers would stop beating him.
Do you think, that today, there are mummies who are suffering like Mary?
Who are these mummies? (those whose children are sick, those who live in countries where there is war, those who live in poverty)
Prayer
Jesus, I want to pray for my parents. Bless them and take care of them. Please also take care of those parents who are passing through a difficult time. Jesus, I love you and I adore you. Our Father … Holy Mary, help those mothers who are suffering. Hail Mary …
I MEET JESUS
Jesus teaches us to love our parents. Try to obey your parents at once, and regularly tell them that you love them.
A reading from the Gospel of Mark (15, 21)
A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Simon was a farmer. One day, while he was on his way home with his sons, he saw a big crowd and he moved closer to see what was going on. However, as soon as he got near, a soldier approached him and told him to come closer and help the man who was carrying a cross.
How do you think Simon felt?
What do you think, Simon said, when he looked at Jesus carrying the cross?
Simon may not have wanted to carry the cross, however he helped Jesus. Did someone ever ask for your help and you pretended that you did not hear him? Did you ever, for example, start to do your homework or started studying, because you knew that your parents were going to ask for your help and you pretended to be already busy?
Prayer
Jesus, like Simon I want to help others. You know that it is not always easy, and I do not always feel like it. Please give me the courage to willingly help others. In school or on the streets we meet children who are not Maltese. They look different from us. They do not always have friends. Help me, so that together with my friends, we make friends with them too. Jesus, I love you and I adore you. Our Father ….
I MEET JESUS
Think about what your parents usually ask you to do, for example to put your things in their place, to see that your dog has water to drink, to dry the plates. Do these chores, without being reminded, and do them willingly without any grumbling.
A reading from the Book of Psalms (27, 8-9)
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Saviour.
Veronica felt sorry for Jesus when she saw him passing by. Jesus looked very tired, because the soldiers had beaten him and the cross was heavy. She pitied him and she went near him and wiped his face.
There were many soldiers around Jesus. Do you think it was easy for Veronica to go near Jesus?
Do you think she was afraid, that the soldiers might also beat her?In fact, what Veronica did was not too difficult. She wiped Jesus’ face. Yet in this way, she showed Jesus that she loved him. What are those small but meaningful things, you could do, to show mummy, daddy, your siblings or your friends, that you loved them?
Prayer
Veronica teaches us that we should not mind helping others, even if we are on our own, even if others do not help. We do not always notice that others need our help. Jesus, please help us, so that like Veronica, we notice those who need our help. Jesus, I love you and I adore you. Our Father ….
I MEET JESUS
Show your parents and your siblings that you love them. Think about what you can do to show them your love. Then, do these things that you thought about. You do not need to do anything big. Simple things like saying thank you for the food, telling your parents that you love them, hugging them, playing with your brothers and sisters, is already a step forward.
A reading from the Gospel of Luke (23, 27-31)
A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then
“‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”
and to the hills, “Cover us!”’
For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Many people loved Jesus. They followed Jesus wherever he went and became his friends. They were so sad that Jesus was going to die. They wanted to be near him. While carrying the cross, Jesus saw them, and he stopped to speak with them.
Who stays with you when you are sick? Or sad?
Do you feel better when someone is with you, when you are sad?
Prayer
Jesus, I want to pray for all those who love me and care for me. Bless them and take care of them, give them the help that they need. Jesus, I also want to pray for those children who do not have anyone to love them. Send people to care for them, and to love them, just like my parents love me. Jesus, I love you and I adore you. Our Father …
I MEET JESUS
What or whom can you care for? Do you have younger brothers or sisters? How can you take care of them? Or maybe you have a pet. Think of how you can care for your siblings, for your pets, etc. Do these things, that you have thought about.
A reading from the Gospel of Luke (23, 33-34)
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Longinus was one of the soldiers who crucified Jesus. He was one of the soldiers who heard Jesus say, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Jesus was so badly hurt! Were you ever hurt by someone?
Jesus forgave those who hurt him and those who crucified him! Did you ever have to forgive someone?
We have a choice, whether to forgive someone or not. When we forgive, we let go of the anger we feel towards that person who hurt us and we act kindly toward that person. Forgiveness means that you do not look out for an occasion when you can get back at that person. It takes courage to forgive someone. Forgiving does not mean that you forget and allow yourself to be hurt again, you can forgive but at the same time ask for justice to be made. It is generally easier to forgive, after the person who hurt you says ‘sorry’. No one said ‘sorry’ to Jesus, but he forgave them just the same!
Prayer
Jesus, how did you manage to forgive the soldiers who hurt and crucified you? Help me to forgive those who hurt me. Jesus, help me to realise when I hurt someone and to ask to be forgiven. The soldiers remind me of war. Let there be peace on earth, Jesus please let all wars stop. Jesus, I love you and adore you. Our Father …
I MEET JESUS
When you get angry, remember Jesus on the cross. If you are angry at someone, talk calmly with that person. Pray to the Holy Spirit to give you patience and care. (note to parents/catechists: speak with the children and show the children the many occasions mentioned in the Bible, when Jesus prayed. Jesus prayed so that he could do what was good. Jesus prayed to the Holy Spirit).
A reading from the Gospel of Luke (23, 39-43)
One of the criminals who hung there, hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
On Calvary, there were two others, crucified near Jesus. These two were thieves. One of them made fun of Jesus. However, the other one, called Dismas, realised that Jesus was a good man. Dismas recognised that Jesus was special. He realised that Jesus was the Messiah whom everyone was waiting for. Instead of making fun of Jesus, Dismas asked Jesus to save him!
Were you ever made fun of? How did you feel?
How do you think Jesus felt?
Prayer
Jesus, sometimes, I make wrong choices, like Dismas who was a thief. Help me to choose what you want, more often. Thank you, Jesus. Jesus, I love you and I adore you. Our Father …
I MEET JESUS
The soldiers and one of the thieves made fun of Jesus. When you are at school or with friends and they start to make fun of someone, or call them names, do not do the same. If possible, ask them to stop.
A reading from the Gospel of John (19, 25-27)
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Jesus had many friends, however only a few remained with him. Mary Magdalene and John were two of his friends, who remained with him up to the end. They were true friends, they did not stay with Jesus only during the good times, they were with him even when he was suffering.
Were you ever sad, and no one was with you? How did it feel? What did you wish?
How do you think, Jesus felt, when he saw Mary Magdalene and John?
Prayer
Jesus, please teach me how to be a true friend like Mary and John. Jesus, I love you and I adore you. Our Father …
I MEET JESUS
Make a card and give it to someone who is sick, or someone who has no friends. On the card, draw or write something to cheer this person up. Before going to sleep, pray for those who have no friends and who are feeling lonely.
A reading from the Gospel of John (19, 38-40)
Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
There was a man, called Nicodemus, who helped to bury Jesus. He had met Jesus before. However, although Nicodemus wanted to get to know Jesus, yet he was afraid that someone might see them together. For this reason, he went to speak with Jesus at night.
Have you ever wanted to be friends with someone, but found it difficult to speak to them?
Jesus is our best friend. Have you ever been made fun of, because you prayed or went to church? How did you feel?
Prayer
Jesus, we want to be your friends, we do not want to be afraid or ashamed to say that we are your friends. Give us the courage not to be afraid to speak with others about you, not to be afraid to pray in front of others, neither to mind telling others that we go to church to meet you and to speak with you. Jesus, I love you and I adore you. Our Father …
I MEET JESUS
During this week, ask your parents to take you to church and invite one of your friends to come with you.
Make the sign of the cross before you start eating, at home, at school, even when you are at a restaurant.
Jesus, I believe that after three days, you rose from the dead and one day we too will enjoy eternal life. Jesus, the lit candle reminds us that you are alive and always with us. You are the light that shows us the way. Help us to always follow you. Thank you, Jesus for loving us so much. Let us love you and others, in the same way. Jesus, make my heart, more like yours. Amen.
Throughout Lent we have been thinking about Jesus’ death on the cross and how much he had to suffer for our sins because he loves us. Between Holy Thursday when Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples and Good Friday, the day he died in the cross, it is a tradition of the Church to make 7 visits to 7 churches and to kneel and say a prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament. This has been moved to an Altar of Repose, away from the main altar of the church. These will be decorated with beautiful flowers and candles to honour Jesus. The 7 visits are for us to show Jesus how much we love him, worship him and adore him in our prayers and to thank him for his great sacrifice. Here are 7 thoughts for you to use if you make the 7 visits with your family.
After Jesus was nailed to the cross, he spoke 7 short phrases and although they are more than 7 words, they are called “The Seven Last Words of Jesus.” We find them written in the Gospels and although Jesus spoke them more than 2000 years ago they are very meaningful for us today and by thinking and praying about them we can prepare our hearts for Easter. We listen to the last words of Jesus knowing that he has risen from the dead.
About
This new bekids.mt aims to offer an even more comprehensive catechetical formation for children preparing to receive the sacraments.
