Ursuline students pray Stations of Mercy during Holy Week

YOUNGSTOWN

The student liturgy committee at Ursuline High School took its cue from Pope Francis in selecting what Stations of the Cross the student body would pray during Holy Week.

The 30-member committee decided on Stations of Mercy, reflecting the pope’s designation of the Year of Mercy being observed in the Roman Catholic Church from Dec. 8, 2015, to Nov. 20. 2016. Pope Francis promotes love, kindness and generosity during this time of focusing on forgiveness and healing by practicing spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

In many churches today, Good Friday, the Stations of the Cross will be prayed. The devotions focus on Christ’s last day.

The Rev. Richard Murphy, UHS president, led the devotion Wednesday. “This is Pope Francis’ call to be a minister of mercy because this is really not a kind world,” Father Murphy said.

Linda Miller, liturgy coordinator and religion teacher, said the Stations of Mercy were written by Bill Huebsch, author and theologian; she adapted the script for use at the high school level. Father Murphy read a quote from Pope Francis at each station then the student body recited a short prayer relating to the pontiff’s message.

Read more about the ritual in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.