When we think about the cross, we usually think about the suffering and tribulations of life.

The Way of the Cross is a powerful devotion in the church.  We meditate and ponder on the Stations of the Cross.  This devotion is often prayed in church on Fridays during lent.  It may also be prayed alone.    When praying the Way of the Cross privately, it is helpful to use a written form of the devotion with meditations.

As we reflect on the stations of the cross, perhaps the quotes of the saints will help us as we meditate on the meaning of the cross.

1.  The Cross is the school of love.

St. Maxamilian Kolbe

2.  Mount Calvary is the academy of Love. 

St. Francis de Sales

3.  The road is narrow.  He who wishes to travel it more easily must cast off all things and use the cross as his cane.  In other words, he must be truly resolved to suffer willingly for the love of God in all things.

St. John of the Cross.

4.  For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

St. Paul the Apostle

5.  Whoever does not seek the cross of Christ, doesn’t seek the glory of Christ.

St. John of the Cross

6.  Our greatest cross is the fear of crosses.

St. John Vianney

7.  With the sign of the Cross, I shall more certainly break through the ranks of the enemy than if armed with shield and sword.

St. Martin of Tours

8.  The Cross is the way to Paradise, but only when it is done willingly.

St. Paul of the Cross

9.  No type of cruelty can tear down the religion established by the mystery of Christs’ Cross.

St. Leo the Great

10.  Apart from the Cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.

St. Rose of Lima

11. Do everything for God, uniting yourself to Him by word and deed.  Walk very simply with the Cross of the Lord.  and be at peace with yourself.

St. Francis de Sales

12.  Remember that when your heart feels restless, when your heart feels hurt, when your heart feels like breaking… I am precious to Him.  He has called me by name.  I am His.  He loves me.  And to prove that love He died on the cross.

St. Teresa of Calcutta

13.  You must accept your cross; if you bear it courageously, it will carry you to Heaven.

St. John Vianney

14.  The cross is the hope of Christians, the staff of the lame, the comfort of the poor, the destruction of all pride, the victory over devils, the guide of youth, the pilot of mariners, the refuge of those who are in danger, the counselor of the just, the rest of the afflicted, the physician of the sick the glory of Martyrs

St. John Chrysostom

15.  The cross means there is no shipwreck without hope; there is no dark without dawn; nor storm without haven.  The worst prison would be a closed heart.

St. John Paul II

16.  He who, when tempted, makes the Sign of the Cross with devotion, makes Hell tremble and Heaven rejoice.

St. John Vianney

17.  Beneath the cross, one learns to love.

St. Padre Pio

18.  The lukewarm do not embrace the cross; they merely drag it along.

St. Teresa of Avila

19.  The cross is our trophy raised against the demons, our sword against sin and the sword of Christ used to pierce the serpent.

St. John Chrysostom

20.  If you seek patience, you will find no better example than the cross.

St. Thomas Aquinas

21.  If you wish to be like Christ, call or look always for the cross.

St. John of the Cross

22.  The Christian’s motto is the Cross.  You will recognize God’s love by this sign, by the suffering he sends you.

St. Padre Pio

23. Suffering is a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.

St. Teresa of Calcutta

24.  Contradictions put us at the feet of the Cross and the cross lifts us up to heaven.

St. John Vianney

25.  It is in loving the cross that we find true peace, not running from it.

St. John Vianney