PRAY THE STATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION
Way of Light
Easter bells are ringing. Jesus is resurrected, bringing joy and the promise of new life.
The Way of the Cross follows Jesus’ last hours of anguish and death.
The Way of Light, also known as the Stations of the Resurrection, celebrates the fifty days of Easter, the most joyful time in the Christian calendar.
Using the metaphor of a journey, the Way of Light moves from the experience of darkness and suffering to light and hope.
This is the promise of Easter: liberation, joy and peace.
14 Printable Stations for Parish Use – You can print these and have them over the physical Stations of the Cross at your local parish.
Short Version – Way of Light Printable Prayer Booklet – For use in a parish, at home or at the Way of Light section at the Gardens. Scroll down to open the prayers online.
Long Version – Way of Light Printable Prayer Booklet – For use in a parish, at home or at the Way of Light section at the Gardens. Scroll down to open the prayers online.
Stations of the Resurrection
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
O sons and daughters, let us sing!
The King of heav’n the glorious King,
O’er death today rose triumphing,
Alleluia!
Sign of the Cross
Reading: For if we have been united with him in
a death like his, we will certainly be
united with him in a resurrection
like his… if we have died with
Christ, we believe that we will also
live with him (Romans 6:5,8).
Reflection: Let us walk this pilgrimage of faith,
the Via Lucis, as daughters and
sons of the light and as witnesses
of the risen Lord. Let us meditate
upon the Resurrection of Christ and
discover the pathway of light that
Christ blazes through our lives.
All: We adore you, O Christ and we praise you.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: But the angel said to the women, “Do not be
afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus
who was crucified. He is not here, for he has
been raised, as he said” (Matthew 28:5-6).
Reflection: On the first day of the week, at the dawning of the
new creation, Jesus rose from the dead. No one
saw the event, yet like the apostles, we are called
to be witnesses of this central faith event. The
light and power of Christ’s death and Resurrection
have become the pattern for our living. May we
recognize Christ’s dying and rising in our midst.
Silent prayer
Prayer: This is the day, Lord God, that you have made. Raising
Christ from the dead, and raising us with Christ, you
have fashioned for yourself a new people. As we hear
the word that brings salvation, make our hearts burn
within us. Through the presence of every friend and
stranger, reveal to us the face of the one who had
first to suffer, but who has entered now into glory,
Jesus Christ, our passover and our peace, living
and reigning with you, forever and ever. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay, Alleluia
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first,
also went in, and he saw and believed… (John 20:8).
Reflection: The empty tomb was not a proof of the Resurrection, but rather a silent witness of the greatest event
of our faith. Seeing the empty tomb, the disciples
were motivated to seek the risen Lord at work in
their midst. They saw and believed in the continuing
presence of the Lord of love. All the empty and
lonely places of human life are precisely where
the Lord wishes to work and be revealed.
Silent prayer
Prayer: God our Father, Creator of all, today is the day
of overwhelming joy. The Lord appeared to
those who had begun to lose hope and opened
their eyes to what the scriptures foretold:
that first he must die and then rise. May the
risen Lord breathe on our minds and open our
eyes that we may know him in the breaking of
bread, and follow him in his risen life. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
The dear belov’d apostle John
Could faster than St. Peter run,
Arriving first before the tomb. Alleluia.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to
him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means teacher).
Jesus said to her, “…go to my brothers and say to
them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God’” (John 20:16-17).
Reflection: Mary Magdalene is given the mission to carry
the good news of the Resurrection to the
apostles and the disciples. She is known over
the centuries as “the apostle to the Apostles.”
Jesus called her by name, gave her the eyes of
faith, and called her to give a unique personal
witness to her friends in the faith community.
Silent prayer
Prayer: God our Father, you want all people to be saved
and come to the knowledge of your truth. Send
workers into your great harvest that the Gospel
may be preached to every creature. May your
people, gathered together by the word of life and
strengthened by the power of the sacraments,
advance in the way of salvation. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Not Magdalen, not Salome,
Nor James’ own mother then delay
Embalming Jesus’ corpse that day. Alleluia.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself
came near and went with them, but their eyes were
kept from recognizing him. “Was it not necessary that
the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter
into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the
prophets, he interpreted to them the things about
himself in all the scriptures (Luke 24:15-17, 25-27).
Reflection: The disciples were walking away from Jerusalem and the
apostolic community in defeat and dejection. They had
lost hope. We too, have moments of despair, yet the
risen Lord accompanies us along the road, even when
we are moving in the wrong direction. Only the Lord can
help us understand the stories of our lives, especially
suffering, and rekindle our energy and our resolve to
devote ourselves to what is most important in life.
Silent prayer
Prayer: Lord God, stay with us. Open our hearts to true
conversion and, as we have known the Lord in
the breaking of the bread, so make us witnesses
of a new humanity, renewed, reconciled and at
peace in your love. Send us as heralds of the
repentance and forgiveness you offer to all. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
That night the apostles met in fear;
Amidst them came the Lord most dear,
And said my peace be on all here. Alleluia.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: They urged him, “Stay with us…” And it happened
that while he was with them at table, he took bread,
said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With
that, their eyes were opened and they recognized
him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they
said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning
within us while he spoke to us on the way and
opened the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24: 29-32).
Reflection: Jesus would have walked on, but the two disciples
strongly urged him to stay with them. Their “hearts
were burning,” awakened to new hope as Jesus
explained the scriptures. They wanted more of
this hope that Jesus gave, so they convinced him
to stay. When Jesus broke the bread, their eyes
were opened; hope turned to excitement and joy.
Despite the lateness of the hour, they ran back to
their friends in Jerusalem to spread the good news.
Silent prayer
Prayer: Risen Jesus, we long to walk with you and to feel
alive as our hearts burn to hear your words. We
long to commune with you and have our eyes
opened to your presence. Show us yourself in the
communion meal and in the friends and strangers
we invite to stay. Give us hearts burning to share
the good news of your Resurrection. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
When Thomas, first the tidings heard,
How they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples’ word. Alleluia.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise
in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see
that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost
does not have flesh and bones as you see that
I have.” And when he had said this, he showed
them his hands and his feet (Luke 24:38-40).
Reflection: The disciples on the road to Emmaus quickly returned
to the other disciples in Jerusalem with “burning
hearts.” Their despair had been reversed and they
were eager to convince the others that Jesus was
alive. The risen Lord now invites us to be “wounded
healers,” ambassadors of reconciliation even while
we ourselves are being forgiven and healed.
Silent prayer
Prayer: God of unchanging power and light, look with
favor and mercy on the entire community of
your Church. Save all people, lift up the fallen,
make the old new, and bring all things to
perfection, through our Lord Jesus Christ who
lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
My wounded side, O Thomas see;
Behold my hands, my feet, said he
Not faithless, but believing be. Alleluia.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace
be with you.” … Then the disciples rejoiced when they
saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be
with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
When he had said this, he breathed on them and said
to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the
sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the
sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:19-23).
Reflection: Even though the doors of the upper room were
bolted shut, the risen Lord pierced through all fear
and united the hearts of the disciples with the gift of
peace. Deep inner peace is the root and source of the
peace and joy that the world cannot give. The risen
Lord calls us to seek peace always through a non-
violent commitment to conflict resolution and thus
transform the world, relationship by relationship.
Silent prayer
Prayer: God of perfect peace, violence and cruelty can
have no part of you. May those who are at peace
with one another hold fast to the good will
that unites them; may those who are enemies
forget their hatred and be healed. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
No longer Thomas then denied,
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
You are my Lord and God, he cried, Alleluia!
All: We adore you, O Christ and we praise you.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” Jesus came and… said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe” (John 20:25-29).
Reflection: Through Thomas’ example we realize that doubt can be a part of faith. Too easily we call him “Doubting Thomas,” forgetting that after examining the nail marks, he fully embraced Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Thomas’ doubt was transformed into a lively faith. Our faith too may be tested by doubt and fear, so we are patient and understanding with those who are struggling and seeking.
Silent prayer
Prayer: Heavenly Father and God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. From the waters of death you raise us up with him and renew your gift of life within us. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
On Sunday morn at break of day
The sad disciples went their way
To see the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that
you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard
and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a
hundred fifty-three of them; and though there
were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to
them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the
disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because
they knew it was the Lord (John 21:10-12).
Reflection: After the crucifixion, the apostles returned to their
former way of life. Out on the familiar Sea of Galilee,
these expert fishermen find themselves ineffective
and baffled because not even a single fish was caught.
From the shore, the risen Lord guides them and
directs their nets until they are filled to overflowing.
As he prepares breakfast for them, he nourishes their
hearts and promises them that they can also be fed
by making disciples in his name. He calls them to
an entirely new way of fishing—fishing for people.
Silent prayer
Prayer: Father in heaven, author of all truth, a people once in
darkness has listened to your word and followed your
Son as he rose from the tomb. Hear the prayer of
this newborn people and strengthen your Church to
answer your call. May we rise and come forth into the
light of day to stand in your presence until eternity
dawns. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
On Sunday morn at break of day
The sad disciples went their way
To see the tomb where Jesus lay. Alleluia.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said
to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you
love me more than these?” … Peter felt hurt
because he said to him the third time, “Do you
love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know
everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said
to him, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17).
Reflection: The risen Lord directs his attention to Peter
whose embarrassing three-fold denial was still
ringing in his heart. Their encounter reminds
us that forgiveness is always available, even for
the most serious of mistakes we can make. Only
love can overcome guilt and deception. Only
love and forgiveness can make us whole.
Silent prayer
Prayer: Father, fill our hearts with the fire of your love.
By sharing the good things you give us, may
we secure justice and equality for every human
being, an end to all division, and a human
society built on love and peace. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
An angel clad in white they see,
Who sat and spoke unto the three,
Your Lord has gone to Galilee, Alleluia!
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching
them to obey everything that I have commanded
you. And remember, I am with you always,
to the end of the age” (Matt 28:19-20).
Reflection: From the mountaintop, the risen Lord gives the
“Great Commission” to the disciples to reach out
to the ends of the earth. We are the recipients of
this faith-filled mission: our ancestors embraced
the faith of the apostles, who were the original
witnesses of the Resurrection. The greatest response
we can give to such a legacy is our dedication to a
new evangelization of our contemporary culture.
Silent prayer
Prayer: God of all creation, whose mighty power raised
Jesus from the dead, strengthen us in the power
of the Spirit to go and make disciples of all
nations, to obey everything that Jesus Christ
has commanded us, and to know that he is with
us always until the end of the age. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
And we with Holy Church unite,
As evermore is just and right,
in glory to the King of light. Alleluia.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to
them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at
the right hand of God. And they went out and
proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the
Lord worked with them and confirmed the message
by the signs that accompanied it (Mark 16:19-20).
Reflection: The scriptures do not portray the Ascension as a
day of sadness. While still looking up at the skies,
the disciples were consoled by the continuing
presence of the Lord. They return to the familiar
surroundings of the upper room, with Mary, the
Mother of the Lord, to pray in anticipation of their
mission. In this “original novena,” we continue to
implore the risen Lord to be the center of our lives
and to keep us focused as a jubilant pilgrim people.
Silent prayer
Prayer: Eternal God, clothe us now with your power.
With the eyes of our hearts enlightened, may we
come to understand the immeasurable greatness
of your power at work in us who believe. In
that strength, may we boldly pronounce the
good news of our salvation to everyone. We
ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Our humble thanks to God let’s show
And fitting praise on him bestow
For Paschal blessings here below. Alleluia.
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: When they had entered the city, they went to
the room upstairs where they were staying…
All [the apostles] were constantly devoting
themselves to prayer, together with certain
women, including Mary the mother of Jesus,
as well as his brothers (Acts 1:13-14).
Reflection: Throughout the history of the Church, there
have been apostolic movements dedicated to
prayerful contemplation, and others resulting in
transforming action. We look to the “upper room”
as a symbolic place where we return over and over
again, so that we can become “contemplatives
in action.” As persons who are both prayerful
and energetic in service to the gospel, we must
always keep vigil for the advent of the risen Lord,
with the flame of faith alive in our hearts.
Silent prayer
Prayer: Father most holy, see your Church gathered here
in prayerful worship like the first disciples and Mary
in the upper room. Grant that we may accomplish,
in the joy of the Holy Spirit, all that you give us to
do in the world. May we gladly share in Christ’s
sufferings so as to rejoice when his glory is revealed.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
On this most holy day of days,
To God your hearts and voices raise,
In laud and jubilee and praise. Alleluia!
By the wood of the Cross and the light of the
Resurrection, you have redeemed the world.
Reading: And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like
the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire
house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as
of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested
on each of them. All of them were filled with the
Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages,
as the Spirit gave them ability (Acts 2:2-4).
Reflection: The power of the Holy Spirit drives the disciples from
the upper room into the streets and marketplace.
We have been clothed with the same Spirit. We
are called to be evangelizers and witnesses. The
Spirit always goes before us, preparing the way and
strengthening our hearts to be generous servants of
the risen Lord who ever guides us. Pentecost is an
enduring and continuing event. We implore the Holy
Spirit to renew the face of the earth by renewing us.
Silent prayer
Prayer: Father in heaven, through this spiritual journey, you
have reminded us of the fullness of the mystery
of your revealed love. See your people gathered
in prayer, open to receive the Spirit’s flame. May it
come to rest in our hearts and disperse the divisions
of word and tongue. With one voice and one song,
may we praise your name in joy and thanksgiving.
Grant this through Christ our Lord, and in the power
of the Spirit, both now and forevermore. Amen.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
O sons and daughters of the Lord,
The King of glory, King adored,
From death to life has been restored. Alleluia.
Reading: Jesus himself, through them, sent forth from east
to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation
of eternal salvation. (Mark 16:8)
Reflection: Through the Way of Light, we have shared
our pilgrim journey with the risen Lord. As
servants and witnesses of Christ, let us now
pray in the way our Saviour taught us:
All: Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen
Prayer: Lord, may everything we do begin with your
inspiration, continue with your help, and reach
perfection under your guidance. We ask this
through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.
Sign of Peace
