Fifth Station - Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene

The plight of those displaced by extremist violence echoes the experience of Simon, as countless families are uprooted from their homes, forced to flee in search of safety. The horrors of abduction, where individuals – often priests, women and children – are taken, stripped of their freedom, and subjected to unimaginable indignities, parallel the moments of despair that mar their lives.

The cross they bear is not merely their own; it extends to the global community, calling us to action against injustice. By sharing their stories, we carry their burdens as Simon did for Christ, reminding ourselves of our moral obligation to advocate for those silenced by fear and suffering. Their struggles become our prayer, their dreams for peace, our mission.
 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we lift in prayer the martyrs of our day – those who endure the trials of persecution and violence. Grant them strength in their suffering and peace in their hearts. Let the despair they face ignite a flame of hope within us, drawing us toward action and compassion. Help us to bear their burdens, as Simon of Cyrene did. May we be witnesses of hope in a fractured world. Amen.