Thirteenth Station. The body of Jesus is taken down from the cross.

We adore you, Christ, and we praise you.

Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the World.

Mark, chapter 15, verses 42 to 45. When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end.

Beloved Savior, you humbled yourself on the Cross, breaking your body, descending into death, so the the Father might restore all to you a hundred fold in the glorious resurrection. Help us, we beg you, to act like Joseph, to give generously of ourselves in service to you, while we await the day of the resurrection.