The Good Friday Saskatoon Way of the Cross Prayer Walk is coordinated by the Office for Justice and Peace, Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. For additional details, contact 306-242-1500 or justpeace [at] saskatoonrcdiocese [dot] com.

NOTE: Due to construction on the Traffic Bridge, Spadina Crescent is closed between 20th Street and 3rd Avenue. Alternate stops have been chosen for the Walk. A map is available here.

Between each station, as we follow the cross we sing and pray. Please give prayerful thought to the reflections offered by each group, and offer your own prayers for the needs of the world, that God’s kingdom come, God’s will be done on earth as in heaven.


Station 1: Jesus on the Mount of Olives (in front of Federal Courthouse on Spadina Crescent)

He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ (Luke 22:39-46)

Reflection by Christine Zyla with a group of newly arrived refugees

Jesus withdrew to a secluded place to pray as was his custom. He knew a time of great testing was ahead of him. He seeks strength for what is to come.

Imagine the thousands of refugees who are at the moment of being displaced, that moment when they realize that fleeing means leaving behind everything they know, everything they have and love. They know they are facing a time of great testing and trial as they run to seek freedom, security and peace.

It must be a very bitter moment, that moment of no return. It’s a Garden of Gethsemane moment for all who know the fear of setting out into the unknown, carrying few or no possessions, depending totally on the kindness of strangers. They know what it is to pray for some other option, to have that cup removed; yet, no matter how difficult, these courageous people arise. They stand up, and like Jesus, face what lies ahead with steadfast courage and initiative, taking steps towards the new life that is sure to follow the agony of that moment.

Today let us pray for all refugees.

May Jesus, the Compassionate One lead them in His grace to a time and place where they find peace and safety. Amen.


Station 2: Jesus, betrayed by Judas, is arrested (corner of Spadina and 20th in front of Collins Barrow)

While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?’ (Luke 22:47-48)

Reflection by Frances Stang, Catholic Women’s League Provincial President

As Jesus is betrayed by a kiss, which leads to his arrest, we, too, today, are facing betrayal by those whom we should trust: our lawmakers, health care professionals, family members, our own pride and arrogance. This betrayal is driven by misplaced compassion disguised as mercy, voiced as ‘dying with dignity’.

Euthanasia and assisted suicide manifest the betrayal of human dignity faced by the ill, the disabled and the old in our society. The push to define some lives as ‘not worth living’ and, therefore, best served by dying, is permeating our culture.

We do not have a ‘right to die’. We do not decide when our life will end, any more than we decided when it began. We have the ‘right’ to care. We have a duty to care for and preserve life.

In the current situation where euthanasia and assisted suicide may soon become legal in Canada, we must do all that is possible to prevent this from happening.

We pray that those in health care will be allowed to provide positive care and that their ‘conscience rights’ will be respected. We pray that sufficient resources be made available to provide life-respecting palliative and hospice care to those in need. We pray for true compassion for those who face this ultimate betrayal –that they have been deemed to be not as worthy of life as others. We pray for a change of heart for those who believe that it is their right to choose when to end a life


Station 3: Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin (on 20th facing the centre of the parking lot of First Nations Bank)

When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. They said, ‘If you are the Messiah, tell us.’ He replied, ‘If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.’ All of them asked, ‘Are you, then, the Son of God?’ He said to them, ‘You say that I am.’ Then they said, ‘What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!’ (Luke 22:66-71)

Reflection by Wyndham Thiessen, Community Leader of L’Arche Saskatoon, read by members of the community

We all need community.  We all need a place where we can feel and know that we belong.  However, not all communities are healthy and good.  Communities can be closed in on themselves, exclusionary, refusing to welcome others and value those who are different.  When Jesus stands before the chief priests and scribes, he is standing before such a community: a closed group of like-minded people determined to persecute him for who he is and what he has been saying.

In L’Arche communities around the world, people with and without intellectual disabilities have a mission of building community together, of sharing life with one another and celebrating the gifts of all people.  Jean Vanier, the founder of L’Arche, says that “Communities are truly communities when they are open to others, when they remain vulnerable and humble; when the members are growing in love, in compassion and humility.  Communities cease to be such when members close in upon themselves with the certitude that they alone have wisdom and truth and expect everyone to be like them and learn from them.”

We pray that we may we all work towards building true communities: communities that are welcoming and open, and that respect the dignity of all people—so that each person can find a place of belonging.


Station 4: Peter denies Jesus (in front of Edwards School of Business, 3th Avenue & 20th Street)

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, ‘This man also was with him.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘Woman, I do not know him.’ A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, ‘You also are one of them.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I am not!’ Then about an hour later yet another kept insisting, ‘Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are talking about!’ At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:54-62)

Reflection by Pastor George Hind, representing the Saskatoon Feast and Share Community

We gather on this Friday we now call “good,” to remember the people who walked with Jesus. With empathy, we discover through their torment and tears guideposts for our own journey.

So we remember Peter. Peter the bold… Peter the opinionated… Peter first to jump in over his head… Peter the rock well known for sinking. We remember the moments before the cock crowed when Peter faltered.

Today we need to give Peter the benefit of the doubt. From his perspective he stood alone against principalities and powers that would stop at nothing to preserve their position and exert their will. Peter had seen justice distorted and compassion extinguished. For Peter to speak was to risk all.

We know this can happen… not just long ago or in distant lands. Through the work of Truth and Reconciliation Commission we are beginning to acknowledge our own sad history… How a Doctrine of Discovery divided up the world and declared which forms of spirituality were acceptable. How nation-states happily took over the church’s power to prescribe and plunder. How, entitled by colonial authority, we settlers arrived: firm in the belief that it is our energy and ingenuity that tamed the land and gave us power.

Against this force of history, it is difficult and dangerous for First Nation people speak. In the face of neglect, injustice and abuse they, like Peter, feel compelled to deny who they are and what they value.

I’m not convinced that the look Jesus gave Peter was one of disappointment. I believe Jesus looked with concern. Peter was denying himself health and wholeness. As he always did with Peter, Jesus looked beyond bluster and bravado to minister to fears and failings. Fear had kept Peter silent… Jesus knew Peter needed to speak.

Peter needed to tell someone about the injustice and abuse that had caused his anguish and anger. Peter also needed to tell how his world made sense because of the love and wisdom of Jesus his master and friend. God had sent someone no more threatening than a servant girl to talk to, but fear had kept Peter silent.

Denial is always a problem: when the politics of power and division run rampant; when fear causes us to deny ourselves or the value of another; when we deny ourselves or others the chance to speak or to be heard. In such a world all we are left with is bitter tears.

Let us Pray, that in the face of denial though it may seem a small thing to sit together, share some food and speak of our fears and hopes, we can be certain that such moments bring life in the Kingdom of God.


Station 5: Jesus is judged by Pilate (across from SKYAP, 3rd Avenue between 20th and 21st streets)

Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, and said to them, ‘You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.’ Then they all shouted out together, ‘Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!’ (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ A third time he said to them, ‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.’ But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished. (Luke 23:13-25)

Reflection by Peter Oliver and read with a member of Micah Mission

How strange is God’s revenge!  Jesus the innocent victim is given over into Pilot’s hands – a leader who is at once spineless and brutally violent.

How strange is God’s revenge! How unlike our cries for justice.  His dignity shines in the darkness as the crowds cry, “CRUCIFY HIM, RELEASE BARABBAS!

How often are victims of crime handed over to the same spineless and brutal leadership and how often does the media call revenge as an antidote?

Let us turn now in prayer to “the One whose tenderness never disappoints, who is always capable of restoring our joy” (Pope Francis). Jesus  lift our hearts and help us start anew.


Station 6: Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns (in front of BHP Billiton, 3rd Avenue between 21st and 22nd streets)

Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, ‘Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?’ They kept heaping many other insults on him. (Luke 22:63-65)

And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a purple robe. They kept coming up to him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and striking him on the face. (John 19:2-3)

Reflection by Rev. Deborah Walker representing the Murdered and Missing Women Event Group

There is no Life That Does Not Find Its Source in God.

It is insulting and humiliating to be considered a disposable woman.
Beaten, Abused, Abandoned, Missing. Then: Ridiculed, Judged and Forgotten.

Indigenous Women and Girls have been targeted, thrown out and then blamed here in this country, province, and in this city to a crisis level of despair for their loved ones.

There is no life that does not find its source in God.
A human life is sacred. Sacred in its being born, sacred in its living and sacred in its dying.

Because Jesus’ witness to love was so threatening,
those exercising power sought to silence Jesus.
He was a nuisance.
He suffered abandonment and betrayal,
state-sanctioned torture and disposal.

Yet evil does not—cannot—will not
undermine or overcome the love of God.
God forgives,
and calls all of us to confess our fears and failings
with honesty and humility.
God reconciles,
and calls us to repent the part we have played
in damaging our world, ourselves, and each other.

We gather our reflection in prayer, recalling that we do the blindfolding and heap on the injuries when we do not realize that everyone is sacred. This is the witness of Jesus’ love: Every child is OUR child; every daughter is OUR daughter. We are all struck down, wounded and broken when we fail to remember that every person is Beloved by God.


Station 7: Jesus takes up the cross (SW corner of Sturdy Stone Building, 3rd Avenue & 22nd Street)

After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. (Mark 15:20)

Reflection by Sandra Kary of the Catholic Health Association of Saskatchewan and read by Chris Donald of the St. Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild

Consider the clothes you are wearing today. Are you warm? Are you comfortable? What do you want your clothes to say about you? How do you see others in their clothes?

What we wear is important. Beyond the practicality of fabrics, clothing shapes our identity. It shapes how we see ourselves, and others.

From the purple robe of kings to the undergarments of a man beaten and convicted, in one sweeping moment, we see Jesus – and consider His identity.

Consider now how those who are humble, weak, frail or ill are clothed… how do you see them in their clothing? Are they comfortable in their garments that are customized with velcro and easy openings? Are you?

When you visit them in the hospital, how do you react to the pale pastel gown with its curled, white cords that tie it together?

Our clothing changes as we become more vulnerable. We are invited to look, and embrace and care for those whose true clothing is as beautiful as the lilies of the field that the Father adorns.

Together, let us pray for all health care providers, and particularly those in palliative care, who walk and serve daily amongst these lilies of the field, our beautiful and vulnerable loved ones.


Station 8: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross (main entrance to City Hall)

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. (Luke 23:26)

Reflection by Anita Gooding and read with Friends of Loa fellow board members

Many people in our world today carry heavy crosses that are not of their own making.

These crosses of war, poverty, racism, religious persecution, inadequate or non-existent schooling, human trafficking, violence, rape, homelessness, hunger, unemployment, unsafe drinking water, preventable disease, imprisonment, loss of land and even country, separation from family weigh them down and are an affront to human dignity, created in the image and likeness of God.

Many people, for example our brothers and sisters in South Sudan, one of the world’s newest countries, carry multiple crosses.

Jesus, Our Saviour who carried and died on the Cross for us, walks in solidarity with all who carry crosses and through our Baptism calls us to that solidarity.

Simon of Cyrenne, himself an outsider in Jerusalem, was forced into helping Jesus carry the cross. The language of the Scripture describing this conscription is violent in keeping with what is happening on the Way.

We, today, are invited to become aware of suffering brothers and sisters who daily carry crosses, and to search our hearts for ways in which we can offer friendship, show compassion, and not only help to carry their crosses but free them from them as Jesus freed us all.

Let us pray. God of life and Hope call us and teach us to walk in solidarity with all our brothers and sisters, all your daughters and sons the Way of the Cross.


Station 9: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem (sculpture on North side of City Hall, 24th Street between 3rd and 4th avenues)

A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, “Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.” Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall on us”; and to the hills, “Cover us.” For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?’ (Luke 23:27-31)

Reflection by Gabby Potosme and Michelle Dinter-Lipinski, Caritas Canada/Development & Peace

The women of Jerusalem in their helplessness before the injustice of the Crucifixion knew they could do nothing to stop it.  But that is not the case for us when we see the injustice of the destruction of our common home – the Earth.

We must rally together to care for Creation.  We must form alliances and partnerships, even being ready to move out of our comfort zones.  It is possible to create partnerships wide and deep enough to confront climate change, pollution, deforestation and all the rest.  We must rally together to care for Creation because earth care is part and parcel of our faith commitment.

Preserving an environment where all Creation can flourish is a very real challenge.  We must have the courage to do more than wail and beat our breasts, and at the same time, we must have the humility to cry out to God in our feelings of powerlessness before the obstacles we face in this work.  Thankfully, we know what comes after the Crucifixion.  Thankfully, we are people of Resurrection.

Let us pray. May Jesus, the Courageous One lead us in His grace so that we will work together courageously to care for our common home.  Amen.


Station 10: Jesus is crucified (in front of HMCS Unicorn, 4th Avenue between 24th and 23rd streets)

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. … When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, ‘Certainly this man was innocent.’ (Luke 23:33,47)

Reflection by Fr. Sabah Kamora and read by youth of Sacred Heart Chaldean Catholic Church

Crucifixion of Jesus amongst thousands of the Christians who have been forcibly displaced from their homes is very real.

He was condemned and punished as a traitor, a notorious rebels and a slave, “for if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:31).

And the most bitter moment of all was when he knew the shame of joining with two thieves, the division of his garments among them by casting lots, and the mockery of the crowd “He saved others; he cannot save himself; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him” (Matt. 27:42).

Despite of this painful journey, we say yes to love, forgiveness and reconciliation with Christ.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus walked in the way of Calvary. He was condemned to death because he told the truth and because of this fact that Christians were persecuted in the Middle East and displaced them from their homeland just as they are now.

It is a terrible tragedy, which invites us to cry with Jesus, “Eli, Eli, la’ma sabach’-tha’ni?” my God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Matt. 27:46).

Let us pray that today on Good Friday we will cry in a loud voice and disturb the consciences of the powerful, seeking their leniency and clemency! To stop the great destruction from the whole world so that people can live in a safety and peace.

May the light of Jesus Christ, who suffered, crucified and by the power of his resurrection lead us to build a new humanity based on God’s Mercy through love and forgiveness, Amen .


Station 11: Jesus promises his Kingdom to the good thief (sculpture on south side of the old Post Office, 23rd Street between 4th and 5th avenues)

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots to divide his clothing. …

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ (Luke 23:33-34,39-43)

Reflection by Allan Zales representing Couples for Christ Saskatoon

The migrant worker faces many challenges as they work and live their faith. More and more workers are coming to Canada under temporary work permits. More and more had been exploited and abused. Many of them are forced to put up with violations of their rights as their work permits tie them to one employer, and don’t provide protection if they are sent back home for complaining about working conditions. Charged exorbitant recruitment fees, subjected to dangerous working conditions, forced to work unpaid overtimes, house in sub-standard living conditions, experiencing oppression, discrimination and a systematic racism, lack in accessing health benefits. These are some of the abuses endured by migrant workers while they are living separately to their families. Why? Is this because of their lack of permanent status and their isolation reasons why migrant workers are especially vulnerable to exploitation and abuses?

Why these vulnerable people had a hard time in accessing in their employment standard rights, in their human rights, in their health and safety protection and workers’ compensation, in their basic immigration rights, in status and entitlements, in a right to equal access to social programs and in a fair appeals process for repatriations?

Are we just let these situation happen to all our migrant workers and ignore it? Or, are we part of the solution that will contribute for a betterment of their status and living? Where WE are for these vulnerable people of society?

We pray for the migrant as they deserve the greatest promotion and protection of their rights as we integrate them into society and the church. We pray for their spiritual nourishment and for the daily challenges of life. We pray that even while they live separately from their families that they experience the great love and mercy that GOD has for them, through us.


Station 12: Jesus on the cross, his mother and his disciple (in front of Palisades Home, 23rd Street between 5th Avenue and Spadina Crescent)

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home. (John 19:25b-27)

Reflection

The witnesses at the Cross stood helplessly in their grief and fear, and Jesus comforted them.  When we feel the grief and fear of what we see in the news each day, it is not for us to give in to this fear.  We must remember who we are – we are children of God, followers of Jesus, and people of peace. Fear is not for us.

What is for us is to place our trust fully in Christ, to pray for all people caught in the web of fear and violence, to acknowledge our complicity in this violence and to seek to live Jesus’ way of radical love and peace.  We can support humanitarian assistance to those who suffer, reach out in friendship to all people, and call our government to non-military responses to violent extremism.

In Psalm 46, we read, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam…”

Let us pray. Jesus, You are the One who leads us in the way of peace.  Fill us with your grace and enlarge our hearts to care for those who are victims of violence and for those who commit violent acts.   Give us the wisdom to all work together for justice.  Grant us courage to reach beyond our fears and to trust that our lives are in your care.  Show us, Lord, how to create communities that heal violence and alienation so that we will work together and live together in peace.  Amen.


Station 13: Jesus dies on the cross (in front of Colliers Real Estate, Spadina Crescent between 23rd and 22nd streets)

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.’ Having said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44-46)

Please observe a time of silent reflection.


Station 14: Jesus is placed in the tomb (steps of St. Paul’s Co-Cathedral, Spadina Crescent and 22nd Street)

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. (Luke 23:50-54)

Reflection by the Church Leaders of Saskatoon

For the moment, death has had its victory. The voice of Jesus is silent. All that Joseph of Arimathea can do is take care of the body. Like the women who brought spices to prepare his body for burial. Like the women who went to the tomb two days later to pray, and to be there.

Sometimes we hit our heads against a wall. We come up against our limits. People we love die anyway. Sometimes we aren’t able to prevent someone we love from going to prison, we aren’t able to prevent a young child from experiencing harsh realities. Sometimes we aren’t able to persuade governments not to do things which will lead to more crucifixions, more suffering. Sometimes all our efforts for change, for decency, justice, dignity and life, sometimes they fall short; they’re buried in a tomb.

Still, love can be at work. We can’t overpower death, but we can be there; we can care for the dying and bury the dead. We can stand with others in the suffering. We can continue to hope, even when we’re not sure what we’re hoping for. We can take the next step. It doesn’t seem to be enough. But love asks it of us anyway.

And we can remember: there’s a bigger narrative going on here. Jesus’s passion is a sea of sorrows, but it’s also an ocean of love. And that love is going to prevail. On Sunday we will gather again in our churches to hear that Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb wasn’t occupied for long. The women who waited and prayed at the tomb found it empty. Then they encountered the risen Lord, and saw that the power of death was undone.

Where are the places where death reigns, and what can we do there while we wait for the bigger narrative to interrupt death’s victory? Where can we prepare the tomb and bring the spices and watch and pray in our day? How can we, as witnesses to the bigger narrative, bring hope into the places of despair, light into the darkness? And how can we be witnesses, together, of the bigger story at work, God’s story, love’s victory?

Pause to sing

Concluding Prayer

Let us pray: Lord God, Creator of all things, we thank you for coming among us in Jesus. We thank you for giving yourself fully, during your ministry, and unto death. We thank you for loving us even then, and not giving up on us. Just as you raised Jesus from the dead, through the power of the Holy Spirit, plant seeds of resurrection hope within us, and send us into places of darkness and suffering where hope is needed, where your presence is needed. Show us where we can actively seek justice and strive for peace. And show us too the places where all we can do is place the body in the tomb and bring the spices, and pray and wait. Shine your light, Lord; shine the light of your resurrection on all we have prayed for today, on all in need, on all of us. We ask this through Jesus Christ our crucified and risen Lord. Amen.

Sisters and brothers, let us end our way of the cross by joining together to pray, each in our own language, with the words Jesus gave us: Our Father …

Benediction

The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious unto you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you
and grant you peace. Amen.