Page 542 - Bible History

THE PASSION AND DEATH OF CHRIST 515
J.ESUS FALLS BENEATH THE CROSS
According to a tradition that goes back to the early days of the Church, somewhere along this sorrowful journey, Jesus came face to face with Mary, His Mother. Though the Gospel says nothing about this, it seems more than likely that it really happened, for surely Mary would not be far from Jesus at a time like this. Tradition also tells us that a holy woman, named Veronica, came out of her house and o ered Jesus a towel with which to wipe the blood and lth from His face. Grateful for this little service, Jesus took the towel from her hands and wiped His face. When He handed it back to her, she beheld on it, out­ lined in blood, the image of His sacred countenance.