Beginning Prayer:

Most Holy Lord and God, I thank You for the life of Brother Meinrad, which mirrors a reflection of Your own sanctity. His hidden life as a monk of the Benedictine Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln in Switzerland radiates with the virtues of Trust, Humility, Devotion, Fidelity, Patience, Gratitude, Simplicity, Stability, and Contentment. His example illuminates the way to my own sanctity through the imitation of the Life of Your Son Jesus Christ. Grant, O Lord, that Brother Meinrad may soon be venerated as one of Your Blessed, and in Your endless mercy, grant my intention for which I pray to You with all my faith and hope: [Name the intention.] Amen.

Final Prayer: “Salve Regina”

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, 
poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate,
Thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary.

No other prayer is so closely connected with the Benedictine Abbey and Marian Shrine of Maria Einsiedeln as the “Salve Regina”. Since the year 1547 it has been sung daily at the “Chapel of Grace” before the “Black Madonna”. Though lay brothers at that time did not participate in the Divine Office with the choir monks, whenever he found the time or leisure, Brother Meinrad attended the “Salve Regina” at the end of Vespers.
 

Word of God

Into Your hands I commend my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. (Psalm 31:6)

Brother Meinrad’s Words

“My everyday life is moving forward as always. Time passes so quickly. My health is holding up fairly well, and one should always be prepared for death, and in the name of God, I am so prepared. I trust in His mercy and His love, I trust in Him, Who has so loved us that He shed His own blood for us.” (Brother Meinrad to Sr. Maria Magdalena (Maria Anna) Eugster, OP, February 26th, 1920)

Reflection

When our own trust in God’s love and providence is tested, Brother Meinrad can be a helpful companion. The Venerable Servant of God was familiar with scruples, which originated in his sense of his own unworthiness and inadequacies. But his complete trust in the mercy of God carried the victory over doubts, and he ended up with an even stronger faith in God’s love and mercy, abandoning himself to Him in these dark moments. When we too are plagued by doubts and sorrows, Brother Meinrad will call out to us saying: ”Let us not lose trust in God, rather let us pray fervently”.

Prayer

Lord, You granted Brother Meinrad deep faith and trust into Your Providence. Whatever he encountered in his life, he clung to You only, and he believed that You would lead him in all his ways. Help us also to trust in You in our own times of trouble and to place all our sorrows into Your hands. Amen.
 
 

Word of God

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has looked upon His handmaid’s lowliness. (Luke 1:46-48)

Brother Meinrad’s Words

Our loving God provided us with the most beautiful example of humility. He gave Himself up for all of mankind, even for His mortal enemies, who had Him crucified, and for all of us sinners. Thus, He left us with His own example to become humble and meek ourselves. The Mother of God, who had received the greeting from the angel in the silence of her maiden chamber, went to the foot of the Cross, where her beloved Son hung with that same humility. (Brother Meinrad to Maria Anna Eugster, November 30th, 1919)

Reflection

In his lifelong effort at the imitation of Jesus in the school of St. Benedict, Brother Meinrad clearly embodied humility. He saw himself as the last and least of all the members of the abbey, and he was grateful from the depths of his heart for even the most infinitesimal service and attention rendered to him. The Venerable Servant of God loved doing all the mending jobs of the tailor shop, which the other monks despised. His life showed that God raises up the lowly. 

Prayer

Lord, Brother Meinrad led his entire life in silent humility, and he saw himself always as the lowliest of Your servants. Grant us the grace to accept our place in this world with humility, and without striving for praise or rewards, to seek only Your holy will. Amen.
 

Word of God

So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed Himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. (Ephesian 5:1- 2)

Brother Meinrad’s Words

Having to leave all my loved ones behind, I regard it as an act of holy obedience and devotion. If one leaves one’s loved ones for the One loved above all and is prepared to sacrifice one’s life to the service of God, that is holy obedience. (Brother Meinrad to Abbot Basilius Oberholzer, OSB, in June of 1886)

Reflection

Brother Meinrad always endeavored to seek the Will of God. No sacrifice was too great for him. He would even have been ready to be sent to Subiaco Abbey, one of Einsiedeln’s new foundations in the United States of America. It is often so difficult for us to let go of our own will and practice joyful surrender to God, but in following Jesus, our devotion is constantly challenged anew. When we embrace the challenge of devotion in union with our Lord and Savior, it becomes a blessing to us.

Prayer

Lord, you gave Brother Meinrad the strength to give himself totally up to You with all his mind and heart. He only lived for You in his daily life and work and found joy serving You in the smallest ways. Strengthen within us the desire to give our lives over to You, and grant that we may also fulfill our duties with love. Amen.

Word of God

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth toward those who honor His covenant and decrees. (Psalm 25:10)

Brother Meinrad’s Words

May your daily cross bear you down through its many sorrows, heavy labors, and hardships, and lead you to compare it to the Cross Jesus Christ endured for us. He, Who carried His Cross first, sweetens ours with the hope of eternal reward and it thereby becomes bearable. May you thus already experience a foretaste of sweetness in this life, brought about by a calm and joyful conscience, peace of soul, and an ever-increasing, burning love for Jesus, and someday be dissolved into the eternal Fire of Love, and rejoice forever in Heaven. (Brother Meinrad to Father Fridolin Segmueller, OSB, March 4th, 1885)

Reflection

Brother Meinrad fulfilled his duties for 50 years at the Benedictine Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln, a life marked with constant intervals of prayer and work. He never allowed himself any compromises with mediocrity within the cloister. This is where he showed his true greatness, which was not in what he did, but in doing it filled with love and fidelity. 

Prayer

Lord, Brother Meinrad fulfilled his daily obligations tirelessly and did not allow himself to be discouraged by hardships or deprivations. Grant us the gift of fidelity so that we too may remain steadfast in our faith and love for You. Amen. 
 
 

Word of God

For you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:3)

Brother Meinrad’s Words

Human life is filled with crosses and bitterness, and well will we be blessed if we accept everything from the hand of God with patience. It is the surest way to Heaven. Everything in this world passes away, only eternity remains forever. Endure with patience and do not lose courage, for the Lord will come to your assistance at the right time. (Brother Meinrad to Benedikt Weissenrieder, July 24th, 1920)

Reflection

The life of Brother Meinrad did not always run smoothly. Like our own lives, it did not lack disappointments, trials, and times of illness. He suffered more from the human shortcomings within the monastic community than from his physical ailments. But he consequently carried out the wise counsel of St. Benedict, which exhorts the monks that they “should each try to be the first to show respect to the other, supporting with the greatest patience one another’s weaknesses of body or behavior” (Rule of St. Benedict, 72:4-5). Brother Meinrad also admonishes us: “Take people the way they are, not the way you want them to be.”

Prayer

Lord, Brother Meinrad was aware that everything had its time and its season, and that Your will is often revealed through patience. Help us not to be led astray by anxiety and impatience, but to walk on our path with calm and trust in You. Amen.
 
 

Word of God

Giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. (Ephesians 5:20)

Brother Meinrad’s Words

Yes, we want to thank our dear Lord daily for the many graces and gifts, with which our dear Savior, according through His inscrutable ways, led you to the Sanctuary of God. Yes, let us thank the Lord our God, for he is good, and His mercy lasts forever. (Brother Meinrad to Frater Salvator (Alois) Nussle, SSS, March 21st, 1910)

Reflection

The emphasis on gratitude, which Brother Meinrad reminded his former apprentice of the abbey tailor shop to keep in his heart, is typical for him. Gratitude was consistently present in the life of the Venerable Servant of God. Brother Meinrad was well aware that everything in his life was an undeserved gift from a loving God. This is reflected in the “Curriculum Vitae” he submitted for his entrance into the abbey, in which he wrote: “I do not deserve to enter into a monastery, unless it is through the particular grace God grants to me.” Gratitude became a source of inner peace and joy for Brother Meinrad.

Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the example of Brother Meinrad, who recognized everything in his life as Your grace, and who was grateful for all You granted to him. Open our own hearts to gratitude, so that we may become aware of Your working in our own lives. Amen.
 

Word of God

Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 3:18)

Brother Meinrad’s Words

I will offer up my Holy Communion for you on this day and not forget you in my daily prayers. There is nothing else I can give you to make you happy, as I am poor and weak. (Brother Meinrad to Brother Cesar Meyer, OFMCap, February 3rd, 1923)

Reflection

Brother Meinrad was a simple man, and he was simply there for God and neighbor. It is this simplicity which was his true treasure. By living simply, he gave himself completely and entirely up to God, which freed him to give God’s love to his contemporaries. God radiated His Divine Eternity into this world through the life of Brother Meinrad, because he allowed God to work through his poverty and weakness. Brother Meinrad teaches us that we need not worry ourselves about accomplishing extraordinary feats, because God's unconditional love always precedes our own actions. He invites us to live in simplicity and modesty, so that God can work within us as well.

Prayer

Lord, Brother Meinrad lived in simplicity of heart and did not seek worldly possessions and fame. He only sought You. Teach us also to detach ourselves from all that is superfluous and to find true joy in simplicity and closeness to You. Amen.
 

Word of God

I keep the LORD always before me; with him at my right hand, I shall never be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

Brother Meinrad’s Words

The beautiful thing in a monastery is that all benefits are shared equally. If you fulfill your duty as ordered by your superiors, you will also receive your share of benefits when the choir-nuns pray or sing, while you are merely doing your duty in the kitchen or elsewhere you may be assigned to work. This means to do all for the love of God, and not to forget doing it in the continuing awareness of His presence, and by uniting yourself with Jesus, Mary and Joseph, offer everything up in your daily life to the Triune God. (Brother Meinrad to Maria Anna Eugster, November 30th, 1919)

Reflection

The awareness of God’s presence spurred Brother Meinrad on to live his vocation as a Benedictine monk of Maria Einsiedeln with great stability. This internal steadfastness enabled him to believe ceaselessly and unshakably in God’s love, and to always keep God before his eyes. He passed this counsel on to his niece Maria Anna Eugster shortly before her entrance into the Dominican Convent of Cazis in the Grisons. The Venerable Servant of God encourages us also to anchor our hearts deeply in the love of God.

Prayer

Lord, Brother Meinrad remained faithful to you during his entire life, and he never strayed from Your way. Strengthen us with that same stability, that we may never tire of our faith, but rather commit ourselves to You anew each day of our lives. Amen.
 

Word of God

Let your life be free from love of money but be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Brother Meinrad’s Words

I truly feel my age now. The eyes are dimming, and I work now mostly just in mending. But I am happy and content, and I take each day as it comes, and pray to the good Lord daily to grant me a happy death, trusting in His mercy, His goodness, and His love. (Brother Meinrad to Father Alois Nussle, SSS, January 17th, 1921)

Reflection

His trust in God’s mercy, His goodness, and His love sharpened Brother Meinrad’s perception of all the goodness filling his life. This state of contentment remained with the Venerable Servant of God even during his last years of life, when a chronic stomach ailment forced him to accept many limitations, restricting his great zeal for work. If Brother Meinrad was asked how he was feeling, he would always, even in his worst moments, reply: “Oh, I am quite content.” This contentment came from a deep inner peace, from his conviction that God never gives up on us and will never abandon us.

Prayer

Lord, Brother Meinrad was content with what You provided for him throughout his life, and he recognized Your love in all of it. Grant us also contentment in our hearts, so that we may recognize Your blessing in all things and live in Your grace. Amen.
 

1. The Joyful Mystery: Jesus, Whom You, O Virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Einsiedeln was for Brother Meinrad a special site for his deep devotion to Mary. The Holy Chapel of Einsiedeln is an image of the House of Nazareth, where the Eternal Word of the Father took flesh from Mary. By praying the Ave Maria countless times, he joined countlessly into the Greeting of the Angel to praise the “One Who is full of Grace”. 

Holy Virgin Mary, together with Brother Meinrad we greet You as the Mother of the Redeemer, and we beg You to intercede for us, so that we may venerate Brother Meinrad soon as being among the beatified.

2. The Joyful Mystery: Jesus, Whom You O Virgin, carried to Elizabeth.

As the Virgin Mary set out to meet her kinswoman Elizabeth, so also Brother Meinrad did not hoard his treasure for himself; rather he became the Messenger of Joy to all those he encountered. At the same time he was aware that he carried this treasure of his faith in an “earthen vessel” (2 Cor 4,7)

Virgin Mary, through Your intercession and blessing accompany all who are baptized, so that they may bring Your Son, the Son of God Jesus Christ, to those who live in our own times as a gift of true joy in our faith.

3. The Joyful Mystery: Jesus, Whom You O Virgin, bore for us.

Along with the shepherds, simple and poor people were among the first to find their way to the Newborn, laying in his crib. Just as they were filled with astonishment, so was Brother Meinrad each Christmas, when he beheld the miracle of the Incarnation, which filled him with joy and deep spiritual love. 

Virgin Mary, help us to share the astonishment in the wonder of the Incarnation of God together with Brother Meinrad, and imitate the example of God to live like Jesus Christ did as children of God.

4. The Joyful Mystery: Jesus, Whom You, O Virgin, offered up in the Temple.

Mary and Joseph consecrated their biggest treasure to God in the Temple. During their Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the encountered the elderly Simeon, who recognized in the Child of Mary “A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2, 32). This same light seemed to be also reflected in the aging face of Brother Meinrad. 

Holy Virgin Mary, help us, so that in our speech, thinking, and action we may proclaim the glory of the Lord, and become witnesses of the Light.

5. The Joyful Mystery: Jesus, Whom You, O Mary, found in the Temple.

The relief for Mary and Joseph was beyond description when they found the 12- year old Jesus after a long search. He had to be in that which belonged to His Father, (Luke 2,49). So did Brother Meinrad want to remain in the Sanctuary of God and serve God day and night.

Virgin Mary, intercede together with Brother Meinrad that the Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln be blessed with ever increasing vocations, so that this House of God, which is Your particular Sanctuary, will never lack for many to hear the call, wanting to serve God and to protect His House.

1. The Luminous Mystery: Jesus, Who was baptized by St. John the Baptist.

Brother Meinrad was born on August 23, 1848, and he was baptized the same day. Along with the Sacrament of Baptism, he received the name Josef Gebhard.

Mother Mary, help by Your intercession that also in our times many children may receive the grace of baptism, and that they may grow up among exemplary Christians, so they may learn their calling to live as true Christians.

2. The Luminous Mystery: Jesus, Who revealed Himself at the Wedding of Cana.

Brother Meinrad grew up in Altstaetten in a pious family, which found its beginning in the marriage covenant of his parents. He remained deeply attached to his siblings during his entire lifetime.

Mother Mary, bless all married couples and let their families flourish as homesteads of the true Faith.

3. The Luminous Mystery: Jesus, Who foretold the Kingdom of God to us.

The seeds of the Gospel sprouted roots deep in the heart of Brother Meinrad, and bore rich fruits. Rather than using words, the way he lived his life made him a true Messenger of the Gospel.

Mother Mary, bless all consecrated people, so that their lives will always reflect the Gospel and thereby they reveal Your Son.

4. The Luminous Mystery: Jesus, Who was transfigured on the mountain.

After first working in the tailor shop of the Abbey, Josef Gebhard Eugster made his final vows as a Benedictine monk on September 5th, 1875. Thus Einsiedeln became his own “Mountain of Transfiguration”, where he was transfigured to follow Christ completely in his own life, and mature into a Saint.

Mother Mary, beg of Your Son that also in our own times, there will be holy men and women of whom Jesus will say:” You are the Light of the World!”

5. The Luminous Mystery: Jesus, Who gave us the Gift of the Eucharist.

Until his death on June 14th, 1925, the Holy Eucharist remained the very source of life for Brother Meinrad. Whether he served as an eager sacristan, or sat at quiet prayer in front of the Tabernacle, the Lord was his entire life and his very home.

Mother Mary, help the Church of Your Son to continue ceaselessly to discover the Gift of the Holy Eucharist and to partake richly from this true Fountain of Life. May Brother Meinrad Eugster soon be glorified through a miracle and become an example of a “True Man of the Eucharist”. 

1. The Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus, who was sweating blood for us.

Brother Meinrad spent many hours on his own “Mount of Olives”, often caused by his Brethren, but also sometimes by his own scruples. But casting his looks upon his Suffering Lord and the suffering Mother of Jesus strengthened him to continue on his path of life. 

Let us pray for all who are experiencing difficult times and are confronted with sufferings of their own!

2. The Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus, Who had been scourged for us.

The crucifix in the cell of Brother Meinrad reveals a bleeding Jesus, Whose Body is covered with wounds from countless lashing and whipping. This depiction continuously caused him to suffer with Jesus. Brother Meinrad  deeply felt and perceived that his own sufferings led him into direct participation in the Sufferings of his Lord. Thus the adversities of his own life took on meaning and he was able to endure them without being broken by them.

Let us pray for all those who are in danger of being broken by their sufferings and sorrows!

3. The Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus, who was crowned with thorns for us.

Brother Meinrad was often belittled by many of his contemporaries, who considered him to be overly pious and not in keeping with the current trends. But Brother Meinrad never hesitated or wavered on his path of devotion and faithfulness. Those who mocked him were rewarded with a gentle smile, and a look filled with compassion.

Let us pray for all who are belittled and mocked by others!

4. The Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus, Who carried the heavy Cross for us.

Brother Meinrad loved to walk through the Cloister along the Stations of the Cross, and to kiss the wounds of the feet of his crucified Redeemer, when he felt himself to be unobserved. Also the veneration of the Sorrowful Mother Mary was a great help to put his own sufferings into a wider horizon, and to carry his own cross life brought him.

Let us pray for all those who carry a large cross in life!

5. The Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus, Who was crucified for us!

Brother Meinrad kept his eyes always focused on the vision of Eternity, which the Death and Resurrection of Jesus had opened up for us. Brother Meinrad saw earthly life as a preparation for that, which God in His Glory had prepared for us. Death was for him a mere passage to Life with God.

Let us pray for all those who lack the perspective of Hope in Redemption!

1. The Glorious Mystery: Jesus, Who rose from the dead.

By his baptism Brother Meinrad entered into the Mystery of Easter, and he followed his Risen Lord in his vocation as a monk. In the loving eyes of Brother Meinrad we see the demand of Friedrich Nietzsche fulfilled: “Christians have to look more redeemed to me if they want me to believe in their Redeemer”.

Let us pray with Brother Meinrad that our own Christian Life be a Witness of Faith and through that it will radiate like the sun from us!

2. The Glorious Mystery: Jesus, Who ascended into Heaven.

The monastic life was not “Heaven on earth” for Brother Meinrad. And yet, by his simple life and his loving service to others, he brought Heaven down to earth for those he encountered. Brother Meinrad’s favorite saying was “Just be patient, everything passes, only Eternity remains”. 

Let us pray with Brother Meinrad that we once again become aware that there is an eternal dwelling place prepared for us in Heaven, there, where all tears will dry, and all wounds heal.

3. The Glorious Mystery: Jesus, Who has sent us the Holy Spirit.

The life of Brother Meinrad was not the life of an adventurous missionary, or a brave martyr, or a great apostle of charity. Brother Meinrad lived a humble and hidden life as a Benedictine monk. But in that humble and hidden life the very works of the Holy Spirit are clearly visible. What is of greatest importance are not great works, but small ones done with great love.

Let us pray with Brother Meinrad that we strive to accomplish the many big and small challenges daily life imposes on us with faith and devotion.

4. The Glorious Mystery: Jesus, Who took You, His Mother up to Heaven.

We may truly believe that Brother Meinrad, just like the Mother of God, has reached his ultimate perfection in the love of God. Together with our Blessed Mother, he is our intercessor and guide to reach Heaven as well.
May the Virgin Mary and Brother Meinrad pray for us, so that we may overcome the challenges of our earthly life with the help of God, and one day enter into that same beauty God has created for all those who love Him.

5. The Glorious Mystery: Jesus, Who crowned You, O Virgin, in Heaven.

Brother Meinrad venerated and served the Virgin Mary for 50 years in Her Sanctuary of Einsiedeln. He loved Her with a child-like simplicity. Mary was crowned by God as the Queen of Heaven. Brother Meinrad received the crown of those who had fought the good fight, and kept their faith. 

May Brother Meinrad together with the Mother of God intercede for all who entreat him to pray for them by entrusting their intentions and sorrows to him.

First Station: Jesus is condemned to death

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

Jesus was led before the Roman Prefect Pontius Pilate, as the Jewish High Priests did not possess the judicial authority to issue death sentences. But secular and religious powers met, and worked hand in hand to rid themselves of the One Who was in fact Truth personified. This is the same drama we see repeated so often in the past, and continue to witness in our own days.

Brother Meinrad was different. He did not judge or condemn anyone. When he heard others ripping someone apart, he treated this lack of love and compassion towards others by pointing out the good he saw in the accused, or he simply remained silent.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, let us follow Brother Meinrad, and always remain bound to truth and justice, as he showed us by his example. Help us to be merciful and never give up hope, and to recognize that the truth will set us free.

Let us pray for all those who are innocently condemned and pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven…

Second Station: Jesus takes up the Cross

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

Jesus did not pick up the Cross as a burden, but rather He embraced it as a gift from His Heavenly Father.

Following Christ throughout his own life, Brother Meinrad perceived the Cross to be a symbol of blessing and salvation. He wrote to one of his Confreres:” May the Cross always weigh you down with cares and woes, and with heavy labor and daily hardships, and consider them with the sufferings Jesus Christ bore on His Cross for you. Then consider the hope of eternal reward, and our own cross will appear to be sweet and soft. Looking at the Cross of Jesus grants us a foretaste of eternity with a calm and joyful conscience, peace in our souls, and an ever stronger burning love for Jesus.” (Brother Meinrad Fto Fr. Fridolin Segmueller, OSB, March 3, 1885)

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, as You strengthened Brother Meinrad to enable him to carry his daily cross alongside of You, help us to carry our own crosses with our eyes always kept upon Yours, and let it thus become our own salvation and blessing.

For all those bearing a heavy cross, we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven… 

Third Station: Jesus falls for the first time beneath the Cross

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

The burden of the Cross weighed Jesus down to the ground. But the sins of the world weighed even heavier upon Him.

Brother Meinrad felt this burden of sins and their results intensely during his life, seeing what the ravages of World War I  had inflicted upon mankind. Yet his life was so permeated with faith, hope, and tender love for our Lord Jesus Christ, that he most likely never committed any serious sins, nor would he ever allow even the slightest shadow of sin to mar it. In spite of what he felt and observed, he always found in the Sacrament of Reconciliation the help needed to rise up, and to continue to walk faithfully with Jesus by his side. 

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Your merciful Love raised Brother Meinrad up and renewed him without fail, and strengthened him to keep following his faith. Help us to continue to live with the mercy of Your Forgiveness, and to become ever deeper united to You. 

For all those who are held captive by sin, and are unable to find the path to Reconciliation and Peace we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven…

Fourth Station: Jesus meets His Mother

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

In the midst of the gaping and jeering crowd, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, stood at the side of the road. As His loving Mother, She was moved by the sufferings of her Son, and so She became the Sorrowful Mother.

Brother Meinrad deeply loved the Sorrowful Mother of God, and he prayed the Rosary depicting Her sufferings in the “Rosary of the Seven Sorrows” with great zeal. He knew that the Virgin Mary shared his own deep sorrows over the sufferings of the world he saw around him, and in the sorrows others entrusted to his own prayers.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, the loving and compassionate gaze of Your own Mother Mary comforted and strengthened You on your walk to the Cross. Send us also companions to stand by us, to comfort and console us and help us to feel and see the Love and Faithfulness of God.

For all who lack a comforting companion standing by them we pray: Hail Mary, full of Grace…

Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry the Cross

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

The Roman soldiers originally forced Simon of Cyrene to help Jesus to carry His Cross. But out of his initial reluctance grew a deep compassion for the condemned Jesus.

Brother Meinrad took on the role of Simon of Cyrene for many people he met by offering them his counsel, his personal prayers for their needs and intentions, and by teaching them to carry their own crosses. He lived by the old principle of “shared joy is joy doubled, shared sorrow is sorrow halved”.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You were grateful for the service Simon of Cyrene rendered to You. Your unshakeable and all- encompassing enduring love in the midst of Your sufferings touched his heart, and he understood the depth of the meaning of Your sufferings. It strengthened him to carry that Cross together with You.

For all those who help others carrying their crosses as once Simon of Cyrene and Brother Meinrad did, we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven…

Sixth Station: Jesus receives the Sudarium (Sweat- Cloth) from Veronica

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

Among the many spectators stood a lone and unknown woman, whom tradition named “Veronica” (Latin: Vera- Icona- True Image). Braving her own fear of the soldiers and the leering crowd with all her courage and compassion, she approached Jesus, Who was dragging the Cross which threatened to crush Him in an act which caused her to become forever an image reflecting the merciful love of God. 

Brother Meinrad also turned with compassionate love towards others. He was particularly passionate about visiting the sick and remaining at the bedside of his aged and dying Confreres. Already during his lifetime he was known as the “Friend of the Suffering and the Dying”.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You marked that cloth with Your own Image, and you planted it into the very soul of Veronica. Help us to imitate the example of Brother Meinrad of appearing and remaining at the side of the sick and the dying, and thus let them feel Your merciful presence.

For all those who have no one during their illnesses and final needs and are facing death alone we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven

Seventh Station: Jesus falls for the second time beneath the Cross

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

The Cross weighed heavily upon the shoulders of the Redeemer. He was falling for the second time, carrying the heavy burden of this sin- sick world. 
When someone close to him seemed at breaking point, Brother Meinrad always attempted to console them. To a former Confrere, who had returned to the secular world he wrote:” Human life is filled with crosses and bitterness, and we do well when we accept it all with patience and accept the hand of God. It is the surest way to Heaven. Everything passes in this world, only Eternity remains forever. Stand fast and abide with patience, and do not let your courage leave you. The Lord will come to your rescue at the appointed time.” (Br. Meinrad to Benedikt Weissenrieder, 7.20, 1920)

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You took up the Cross for the sins of the world and redeemed it for all generations to come, and for all those who follow and imitate You. Help them to receive the fullness of patience needed from the hand of God.

For all those in despair and breaking beneath their crosses we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven…

Eight Station: Jesus meets the weeping women

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

Jesus was moved by the compassion of the women of Jerusalem. He did not just console them, but also exhorted them not to lose sight of their own path marked with their own sufferings.

The indescribable horrors World War I had inflicted upon the world caused Brother Meinrad to meet many weeping women during his lifetime. We encounter the same tragic sights daily in our own times. Women weeping for their sons and husbands who are dying in wars, and the victims of endless and arbitrary political terror and despotism. The women of Jerusalem mirror them, and the Sorrowful Mother of God and the compassionate Brother Meinrad are their Heavenly Intercessors.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, the compassion of the women of Jerusalem moved Your heart. Your compassion and your loving exhortations are also directed at us, lest we forget to let acts of mercy follow our feelings. 

For all who are paralyzed by grief and suffering we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven…

Ninth Station: Jesus falls for the third time beneath the Cross

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

Jesus falls for the last time beneath the crushing weight of the Cross before He will be raised up above the world.

Brother Meinrad’s attitude towards life was marked by his total  belief and faith that no cross will be endured in vain if we accept it with love. This made him grateful for everything in his life, and able to inspire others with that same belief and faith of trusting in God. He wrote to his niece, a nun in the Dominican Convent of Cazis: “Always remember the presence of God, Who dwells within You in his mercy and His love. He will stand with you during temptations, and give you strength to carry out your daily needs and for the little crosses you may have to endure. Bear them with patience and with joy”. (Letter of Brother Meinrad to Maria Anna Eugster, April 4th, 1919)

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, we too fall so often in our weaknesses and it is hard to get up again, Grant us the strength to bear our daily crosses with patience and joyous gratitude.

For all who lack courage and strength to continue their path we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven…

Tenth Station: Jesus is robbed of His garment

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

Being stripped naked by the rough soldiers was another step of utter degradation. But Jesus accepted this intentionally added cruelty with patience and humility. He knew that His dignity as The Son of God did not depend on external appearances. His dignity remained untouchable and intact. 

In the sewing room of the Abbey, Brother Meinrad repaired countless habits. Those garments were intended to instill awareness of the dignity of being Children of God into the monks and that in imitating Jesus, they must completely die to the world. Brother Meinrad wanted to help his Confreres to keep that dignity within their hearts by providing them  with clean and well repaired habits to wear, while preferring for himself the well-worn and shabby ones. He knew his own dignity did not depend on external appearances either.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, countless humans today are stripped down as You Yourself were, and are exposed to the leering eyes of others, and their dignity is peeled away. Show them that You always stand beside them.

For all who are degraded and abased we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven.

Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the Cross

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

Jesus was bound by His hands and feet, and heavy nails were driven through His flesh and sinews. Inflicting that kind of pain on a body is not only inhuman, it is hellish. The One who proclaimed the freedom of the Children of God and the beginning of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, was Himself nailed fast upon the Cross.

Brother Meinrad experienced many moments of feeling literally nailed down by superficial assumptions made about him by his contemporaries. We also share those same assumptions imposed upon us in our own modern times. He often felt misjudged. But even in those situations he knew that the unshakable love of God would ultimately restore and liberate him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You let Yourself be nailed to the Cross to free us. When we allow ourselves to become dependent on the good opinion of others, and find ourselves to be nailed down by those judgments, rescue us and renew that sense of freedom in us by Your love.

For ourselves, who keep falling back into dependency and loss of freedom we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven…

Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the Cross

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

The Lord was raised up between Heaven and Earth, where He opened His arms wide upon the Cross, and drew everything He beheld into His Divine Heart. Through His death on the Cross, His utter helplessness was completely revealed, and replaced completely by His supreme humility.

In his letter to his niece Brother Meinrad wrote:” Our dear Lord has left us the most beautiful example of humility. He sacrificed Himself for all of mankind, even for his mortal enemies who crucified Him, and for all of us sinners. By doing so, He showed us the perfect example of imitating Him by becoming humble and meek.” (Letter of Brother Meinrad to Anna Maria Eugster, November 30th, 1919)

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Mary and John followed You even to the foot of the Cross in faithfulness. By contemplating Your Cross, Brother Meinrad kept the same faithfulness to You throughout his own life. Help us to be humble and meek of heart, and thus find our own justification through the Cross. 

For all redeemed by Jesus Christ through His Cross we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven…

Thirteenth Station: Jesus was laid into the arms of His Mother

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

The “ Pietà” depicts the Sorrowful Mother with the dead body of Her Son in her lap, the image of the most unbearable pain and desolation a mother can suffer.
But for Brother Meinrad it was also an image of hope. He loved to make a pilgrimage to the nearby located Marian Sanctuary of “Euthal”, with its own beautiful “Pietà” above the High Altar. Just as our Thirteenth Station here in Einsiedeln, it also invites the visitors to feel the pain and sufferings of Mary, but also to share in the hope that the power of love is stronger than the power of death and on the appointed day, God will wipe away all our tears forever.  

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, just as in that Holy Night of Your Birth in Bethlehem, where Your Mother hugged You to Herself with a love that has no words, she is now embracing us with that same tender love, knowing deeply within Her Immaculate Heart, that our current sufferings will not mean our end.

For those grieving for a loved one without the Christian perspective of hope we pray: Hail Mary, full of Grace…

Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid into a tomb

V: We pray to you, Lord Jesus Christ, and we adore You.
R: Because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

Meditation

The placing of the body of Jesus into the tomb is traditionally the final Station of the Cross, but not the final chapter of the History of Salvation, which is The Resurrection of Jesus into the fullness of life.

Brother Meinrad saw the making of preparations for his own hour of death as an essential element of his prayer life, to which he tied hope to be the entry way into the Love of God. Already rather advanced in age, he wrote the following lines to his niece:” Time passes so fast. My health is still holding up, and so is my preparedness to die and in the name of God, I am ready for Him. I trust in His mercy and the love with which He so loved us that He poured out His own blood for our redemption. Let us pray together and for each other that we may be met with a good death.” (Letter of Br. Meinrad to Maria Anna Eugster, February 26th, 1920)

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Brother Meinrad was ready when You called Him home to You on June 14th, 1925. His trust in You and Your merciful love accompanied him into his life with God. Thus his death was his return to his original and eternal home.

For all who live in fear of death and the grave we pray: Our Father, Who art in Heaven…

Conclusion

We have arrived at the final Station of the Cross. May one of the last words flowing from the pen of Brother Meinrad lead us on the path across Good Friday towards our own Easter, and thus enable us to continue to walk on our path of life and faith filled with the same hope he had:

“Give thanks to our dear Lord for everything He endured and suffered for us, and accept all the sacrifices that come to you and all your cares and woes in union with Jesus. Everything passes, and that appointed day of Easter will be yours and the most glorious “Alleluia” will echo and reverberate joyfully, and reunite you with me and all our loved ones at the end of our earthly lives.” (Letter of Br. Meinrad to Maria Anna Eugster, February 26th, 1920)