Discover God's mercy with Saint Longinus, the soldier who pierced Jesus's side, as he narrates each station of the cross.

About this Book:

Experience the mercy of God in new ways with this Way of the Cross for personal or congregational devotions. Father Francis Sofie offers readers a fresh perspective as he takes them on the journey of Christ's passion alongside Saint Longinus, the Roman centurion who pierced Jesus's side on the cross.

Each station is thoughtfully narrated by Longinus as he escorts Jesus to the place of the crucifixion and is himself drawn, at first reluctantly, into the deeper meaning of Christ's sufferings. Those who use this booklet to pray the traditional stations of the cross will be struck by the great mercy and grace that Jesus showed even in his darkest hour. With Longinus, they will discover God's compassion and reflect on how they might welcome this love into their lives. Moreover, they will be encouraged to always continue to pray for those far away from God, even those whose hearts seem closed.

Father Sofie skillfully uses historical context with poetic license to place Longinus in the events of Good Friday. Although the story and characters are familiar, those using this Way of the Cross for prayer will feel they are experiencing this beloved traditional devotion for the first time. Longinus's point of view creates a resonant and reflective experience sure to help readers discover Christ's mercy for renewed faith.

• Perspective of Saint Longinus effectively highlights Christ's mercy
  
• Unlikely character offers fresh insight into conversion of heart
  
• Provides new applicable lessons from the Stations of the Cross
  
• Offers hope with the theme, "never stop praying for those whose hearts seem closed"
  
• Brief and clear reflections for each station
  
• Ideal for parish use
  
• Excellent tool for new Catholics or converts learning the Way of the Cross

Father J. Francis Sofie Jr. attended the Angelicum in Rome and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. Ordained in 1994 as a priest of the Archdiocese of Mobile, Alabama, he has served as a parochial vicar, campus minister, high school chaplain, prison chaplain, and pastor. Born on Good Friday, Father Sofie has long felt the passion of Christ an important part of his spirituality.

Product Details:

Binding: Softcover
Trim size: 5 x 7¼ inches
Pages: 48?

Keywords: Longinus; Divine Mercy; Mercy of God; Stations of the Cross; Passion of Christ; Lent; Centurion; Lenten resources for parishes;