The Calvary of Betharram (3)

In this period of Easter, our series takes a break in its timeline to accompany Jesus on the Stations of the Cross at Betharram.

In addition to this issue of NEF, our readers, if they find themselves in any of the Betharramite Communities dispersed throughout the world, could relive the Passion of Christ by climbing the way of the cross set up by St Michael Garicoits.

« The Betharram Stations of the Cross comprise 15 stations which let you relive as many episodes of the Passion of the Saviour.  They don’t mention the 3 falls, alluded to in the Stations of the Cross known as ‘Jerusalem Way of the Cross’; no touching gesture from Veronica told only through spoken tradition.  Only the scenes of the Gospel are remembered here.

From the outset, the Stations of the Cross of Betharram intended to have a 15th station, as a reminder of the miracle of the Glorious Cross of 1616, the station of the Lord’s Resurrection – at that time known as ‘The Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre’.  It’s the normal crowning of the Mystery of Christ, the other side of his death

Raymond Descomps, scj

« Today, it starts off with Gethsemane at the exit of Our Lady’s Chapel.  We are invited to pause: here is the betrayal of Judas;  and then we climb to the major scenes of the 4th Gospel.  To be closer to the suffering Lord, agonising, dying, in order to be ever closer to the Glorious Sepulchre.

Gabriel Verley, scj

First Station
- At Gethsemane

“Father, everything is possible with you! Take this cup away from me!”  However, God overcomes human frailty.  “Not what I want, but what you want!”. This ‘yes’ of obedience is the ‘yes’ of filial love. It is the ‘yes’ of our salvation. “Father, may your will be done!”