Lourdes Station 13: Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross

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 13 of 14

Iesus de Cruce Deponitur

Into His Mother’s Arms

As I approach Lourdes Lower Station 13, I realize the sacrifice that Jesus has done for me, and the deep grief I have experienced so far walking and contemplating His Passion. Let’s continue to explore the significance of this station and its spiritual implications for believers.

As they take Jesus down from the cross, they place Him into the arms of His mother. This moment is often referred to as the “Pietà,” which means “pity” or “compassion.” Mary’s deep grief and unwavering faith make her a model of compassion and fortitude for all believers.

“They place Jesus into the arms of His mother — the Pietà, meaning ‘pity’ or ‘compassion.’”

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Station 13, Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross, 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.

Mary’s deep grief and unwavering faith, as she receives her Son’s body into her arms, make her a model of compassion for every believer who has ever held grief in their own hands.

“O Mother of Sorrow, for the love of this Son, accept me and pray to Him for me. And Thou, my Redeemer, since Thou hast died for me, permit me to love Thee; I wish but Thee and nothing more.”

— 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 Who Carried Him Down

Joseph of Arimathea

From Secret Follower to Public Disciple

I kept my belief in Him quiet for a long time — my position on the council made silence the safer choice. But here I am now, asking Pilate himself for His body.

Whatever risk that carries matters less to me now than tending to Him properly. Faith doesn’t always announce itself all at once — sometimes it grows quietly, until it’s ready to take a bold step.

What belief have you kept quiet that might be ready for a bolder step?

Nicodemus

The Cost of Coming Into the Light

I came to Him once, at night, when no one would see. Tonight I am here in the open, helping prepare His body, and there is nowhere left to hide that.

It has taken me this long to move from curiosity to conviction. I don’t know that I could have rushed it — some transformations need the years they take.

Has your own faith ever needed more time than you wanted to give it?

John

The One Who Stayed

I never left. Not at the arrest, not at the trial, not here at the foot of the cross where His body is finally lowered into our arms.

Loyalty like this isn’t dramatic most of the time — it’s just staying, one hour after another, when leaving would be so much easier.

Who has stayed with you the way John stayed with Him — and have you thanked them?

What does the presence of Mary at this station teach us about compassion and strength in the face of suffering? Mary’s faith and compassion is an example of the role suffering plays in our own spiritual journeys. We can support others who are experiencing grief and sorrow — each of us, at some point, experiences a loss that shakes us to the bone. This station encourages us to turn to Mary as a source of comfort and intercession, knowing that she understands our pain and walks with us in our sorrow.

As I contemplate this station, I think of two men who kept their faith hidden — not for lack of courage, but because the cost of speaking out was real. Their willingness to step forward now, at genuine risk to their standing, challenges me to stand fast in my own faith regardless of position, whether that’s held by clergy or by any one of us in a quieter place of influence. For anyone wanting to go deeper on this theme, I’d point to The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, The Way of the Cross by Fulton J. Sheen, or The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander — each offers a way of understanding how suffering can become part of Christ’s redemptive work.

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.

What Station Speaks to You?

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The peaceful meadow path of the Lourdes Lower Prairie Stations