Lourdes Station 10: Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments

The open meadow of the Lourdes Lower Prairie Stations

The Prairie, Lourdes

Lourdes Lower Stations

The Sacred Way of the Cross

Path 2 · Prairie, Lourdes, France · Station 10 of 14

Iesus Vestimentis Exuitur

Nothing Left to Take

The Lourdes Lower Station 10 of the Cross, where Jesus is stripped of His garments, holds profound significance in the Passion narrative. In this moment, the Roman soldiers attempt to further humiliate Jesus by taking His tunic and casting lots among themselves.

I reflect on the deep humiliation associated with being stripped of one’s clothing. It brings to mind those who are imprisoned, deprived of their personal belongings and given a uniform, stripped of their dignity and left in a vulnerable state. This station invites me to deepen my understanding of Christ’s suffering and His sacrificial love for me.

It also teaches me the importance of serving others with humility, dignity, and compassion — especially those who are elderly and unable to care for themselves, or those who are gravely ill. Jesus, nearing His own death, was publicly stripped of His dignity by the soldiers.

“Jesus, nearing His own death, was publicly stripped of His dignity by the soldiers.”

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Station 10, Jesus is Stripped of His Garments, at the Lourdes Lower Prairie Stations

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.

R. Because by Thy holy cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.

For the past eight or so years, I have been practicing detachment from things — things I really don’t need to have just for the sake of having. I find it to be very freeing, and I ask for the help to strip myself of all affection for the things of this earth.

“My innocent Jesus, by the merits of the painful torment Thou hast experienced, help me to strip myself of all affection to things of earth, in order that I may place all my love in Thee.”

— Saint Alphonsus Liguori, The Way of the Cross

V. Have mercy upon us, O Lord. R. Have mercy on us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Pray Together

Sit With It

Three Witnesses to What Was Taken

A Roman Soldier

A Fringe Benefit of a Grim Duty

We cast lots for what’s left of Him, the way we always do. It is routine — a small fringe benefit of a grim duty, nothing we think twice about.

But this tunic will not divide. It is woven in one piece, top to bottom, and it resists being torn apart — so we cast lots instead, never once wondering what it might mean.

What in your life has resisted being divided or diminished, no matter what was done to it?

One Who Is Stripped Today

The Uniform, the Cell, the Losing of a Name

I know what it is to be stripped down to nothing — a uniform instead of my own clothes, a number instead of my name, my dignity handed to someone else’s decision.

Victims of trafficking. Refugees. Those without a home. Christ was stripped once, publicly, nearing His own death — and in every person stripped of dignity since, He is stripped again.

Who in your life today has been stripped of dignity in a way that’s easy to overlook?

One Standing Nearby

Sharing the Vulnerability, Not Just the View

I don’t come to this station alone. Family, friends, even strangers — we stand here together, and something in that shared silence makes the suffering easier to hold, though not easier to watch.

Being present with others, even in prayer, makes me feel less alone in acknowledging my own vulnerability, not just Christ’s.

Has praying alongside others ever helped you face something you couldn’t face alone?

Sit or stand in silence and be present with the scene of the tenth station. Allow yourself to be open to the presence of God, and to receive any insights or emotions that arise. This form of prayer helps me connect more deeply with the mystery of Christ’s suffering and His love for me.

Depending on where I am walking or climbing to reach each station of the cross, it can be challenging mentally and physically. Here is where I take the opportunity to ask for help as I experience this moment.

Jesus’ willingness to be stripped of His dignity challenges me to let go of my own pride and open myself to the transformative power of God’s grace. By acknowledging my own vulnerabilities, I can grow in compassion and empathy for others.

Continue Your Prayer Journey with the Rosary

Your journey does not end here. Every step of prayer deepens your relationship with Christ crucified. Explore additional resources to cultivate grace and carry the peace of this sacred moment into daily life.

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The peaceful meadow path of the Lourdes Lower Prairie Stations