The world is a mystery. Life, death, time, good, evil and miseries, are mysteries to us. The crucifix is the solution of them all. It is a consoling contemplation when we are in trouble. When we have sinned it brings tears of repentance to our eyes, and gives us the hope of salvation; it is a source of love; it is a light in darkness; it is a solemn exhortation without words. O blessed cross, cause of the fifth sorrow to Mary! help us to have a joy in the cross in this life, that we may be led by it to a happy eternity. The way of the cross is now ended; the summit of Mount Calvary is reached about midday. The city of David is close by and the crown of glory of this city is now to be taken away. But the life of Christ is to crown it by its end, making it a still holier city than it ever has been. The soldiers tear the garments off the body of Jesus, and prepare for the execution by nailing Him to the cross. Mary hears the strokes of the hammer as the nails are driven through His hands and feet into the wood. Every stroke is a dreadful wound inflicted on her sorrowing heart; who should feel it more than this Mother witnessing the execution of her Son? Prayer. O Heart of Mary, I offer, etc., etc. Twenty‐second Day. The first hour of the three during which the Lord hung on the cross was passed in silent endurance; in prayer, in offering the sacrifice of His life for all mankind. Then darkness begins to gather. Mary approaches the cross, and stands near the suffering Saviour. The executioners mock Him, they cast lots for His garments; their cruel words and their coarse jokes fall on Mary’s ears and fill her soul with pain. Mary was to see and feel everything, as well as the Lord. The whole hour passed, and Jesus was silent; the second hour began its martyrdom and we hear the voice of Christ, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do,” a prayer which soothed the heart of Mary, for it was the voice of mercy. The third hour Jesus began to grow weaker; the loss of blood produced a great thirst, and He cried out, “I thirst.” And Mary knew that Jesus thirsted for souls; and that she could help this thirst by her prayers. Thus during those three hours Mary stood beneath the cross; it was the fifth sword of sorrow that pierced her soul. Prayer. O Heart of Mary, I offer, etc., etc. Twenty‐third Day.