PEOPLE: Because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.
Rise.
PRESIDER: Jesus sees His Mother broken-hearted and in anguish. No other human being ever loved Jesus as much as Mary did; so we must say that no one else ever suffered for Jesus as Mary did in witnessing the suffering of her Son. Their eyes meet and they exchange their own deep sorrow in silence. No tears, no words, just stunned expression!
PEOPLE: Dear Mary, between Bethlehem and Calvary, lies the abyss of sin. O Mother of sorrows and Help of Sinners I come now to you as a repentant prodigal, wishing to draw from your heart the seven swords.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.