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A Powerful Lent Devotion: Meditate on Christ’s 5,480 Wounds with St. Bridget
Catholic
/
Feb 28, 2025
At the tender age of seven, St. Bridget of Sweden began receiving visions of Christ crucified. Her longing to understand His suffering led to a profound revelation: Jesus endured 5,480 wounds during His Sacred Passion. Through these visions, Christ entrusted St. Bridget with a devotion to honor and make reparation for His suffering. This practice, consisting of Fifteen Prayers revealed by Our Lord, has inspired countless faithful to deepen their love and commitment to Jesus.
The Fifteen Prayers of St. Bridget: A Daily Offering
Christ asked St. Bridget to encourage the faithful to recite these prayers daily, completing the cycle 24 times annually. By doing so, one meditates on all 5,475 wounds detailed in the prayers. The remaining five days of the year focus on the five principal wounds: His hands, feet, and side.
These prayers aren’t merely a repetition of words; they’re an invitation to walk with Christ in His Passion. Each meditation delves into the love and sacrifice that carried Him through unimaginable suffering for our redemption.
The Physical Sufferings of Jesus
The wounds Christ endured during His Passion can be categorized into fifteen key events:
The slap across the face by Annas's servant.
Buffets and blows from Caiphas’s servants.
The veiled slaps mocking His Holy Face.
The Scourging at the Pillar.
The Crowning with Thorns.
Strikes to His Sacred Head with a reed.
The crippling Shoulder Wound from the Cross.
Bruises from His first fall under the Cross.
Injuries from His second fall.
His prostration in the third fall, further bruising His face.
The nail piercing His Left Foot.
The nail piercing His Right Foot.
The nail in His Left Hand.
The nail in His Right Hand.
The lance piercing His Sacred Side.
These meditations invite us to gaze upon the immense physical pain He bore for our salvation and reflect on the spiritual meaning behind each wound.
Embracing the Devotion
Though the numbers and commitment might seem daunting, the essence of this devotion lies in the heart. Christ desires an earnest response to His love, not perfection in completing prayers. Whether you meditate on a single wound or commit to the full devotion, every act of prayer brings you closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Why This Devotion Matters Today
In meditating on the 5,480 wounds, we enter into the mystery of Christ’s love—a love that bridges the gap caused by sin and draws us back to the Father. As you ponder His wounds, consider how they reflect His infinite mercy and dedication to humanity.
This devotion also aligns beautifully with the Eucharistic Revival movement. Through Christ’s Passion, we recognize His presence in the Eucharist—a tangible manifestation of His sacrificial love.
Begin Your Journey
If this devotion moves your heart, you can start by incorporating a single prayer or meditation into your day. Download the Tabella App to connect with a community of believers and explore resources to guide your spiritual journey. Let the wounds of Christ transform your life, filling it with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.
Let us, like St. Bridget, respond to Christ’s love with devotion, bringing hope to a world yearning for His presence.
