O crux, ave spes unica! (Good Friday)

O crux, ave spes unica!

(Hail, O cross, our only hope!)

"All the greatest pains become sweet for

whoever looks at Jesus Christ on the Cross."

St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi 

Simon Vouets, 1622

"Do grant, oh my God, that when my lips

approach Yours to kiss You,

I may taste the gall that was given to You;

when my shoulders lean against Yours,

make me feel Your scourging;

when my flesh is united with Yours,

in the Holy Eucharist,

make me feel Your passion;

when my head comes near Yours,

make me feel Your thorns;
when my heart is close to Yours,

make me feel Your spear."

St. Gemma Galgani