The Mother of Jesus knew that her Son was suffering dreadfully, but never could she have conceived the deplorable, the heartrending condition to which he was reduced by the brutality of his enemies.

Her imagination had depicted him to her as suffering fearfully, but yet supported and illuminated by sanctity, love, and patience.

Now, however, the sad reality burst upon her.

First in the procession appeared the priests, those most bitter enemies of her Divine Son.

They were decked in flowing robes; but at, terrible to say, instead of appearing resplendent in their character of priests of the Most High, they were transformed into priests of Satan, for no one could look upon their wicked countenances without beholding there, portrayed in vivid colours, the evil passions with which their souls were filled--deceit, infernal cunning, and a raging anxiety to carry out that most tremendous of crimes, the death of their Lord and Saviour, the only Son of God.