The Sorrowful Mysteries - Meditations of Primate August Hlond

The Agony in the Garden

Be with Christ. Do not refuse Him your cooperation in the religious renewal of the nation. Poland will be an inspiration to Europe if it remains steadfastly with God. At the crossroads of history, it should not hesitate, but follow its calling and preach the doctrine of truth and goodness. God is preparing great graces for Poland, but He demands fidelity from it.

The Scourging at the Pillar

The hatred of Christ's enemies is growing. Our reconstruction will have numerous enemies. They will mock us, hinder us, and destroy us. But this will not deter us. We firmly believe that with God and under the protection of Mary, Christian thought, embodied through the apostolic labor and martyred blood of the faithful knights of Christ and Mary, will triumph in the world.

The Crowning with Thorns

Today a wave beats upon us that destroys everything within us – a murky ”Catholicism” with which everything can be reconciled: dishonesty, harm to one's neighbor, shamelessness… Just as our kings once proclaimed a general levy, so I too today call everyone to a holy crusade in defense of the faith. Let us pray for mighty souls, for an eagle generation, for heroic action, for holiness.

The Carrying of the Cross

Let Jesus today on His Way of the Cross arouse not only our compassion, but a resolution for bold apostolic action to save the world. Let the Primate ask the people for amendment of life, prayer, and the daily Rosary. Bishops are to call the nation to pray for the homeland. Let priests implore the people to pray and do penance. The world will be terribly punished for not accepting God.

The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

Only the Cross of Christ will lead tormented humanity out of collapse. Poland will stand with the Cross at the head of God's hosts. A struggle awaits us in defense of God's rights and the Spirit of Christ throughout the entire world. However, one must stand honorably, consistently, and sacrificially with Christ and the Christ-like future of Polish life to the end.