Based on the visions of Anne Catherine Emmerich,
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ presents a detailed and chronological depiction of the events surrounding the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as interpreted through Emmerich’s mystical experiences.
Prelude to the Passion: The narrative opens with events leading up to the
Passion, including the raising of
Lazarus, which in Emmerich’s account intensifies opposition from the
Sanhedrin. Other episodes include the
anointing of Jesus at Bethany by
Mary of Bethany and His
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, followed by His
public teachings and the
cleansing of the Temple—actions portrayed as contributing to the growing hostility of religious authorities.
Holy Thursday: Emmerich describes the preparation for the
Passover in the
Cenacle, the
Last Supper—where Jesus is said to institute the Holy Eucharist using a
chalice of ancient origin—and the
washing of the disciples’ feet.
Judas Iscariot's departure after receiving communion is depicted as the beginning of
his betrayal.
Gethsemane and Arrest: In the
Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus undergoes intense spiritual anguish, described in vivid terms including sweating blood. Despite His distress, His closest followers fall asleep. He is arrested following
Judas’s identifying kiss. Emmerich emphasizes Jesus’s divine authority in this moment and includes the detail of
Peter drawing a sword to defend Him.
Trials: Jesus is brought before a sequence of authorities:
Annas,
Caiaphas, the
Sanhedrin, and the Roman governor
Pontius Pilate. According to Emmerich, Pilate is hesitant, especially after a dream warning received by
his wife. Nonetheless, Jesus is sent to
Herod Antipas, mocked, and then returned to Pilate. Under pressure from the crowd and religious leaders, Pilate offers the release of either Jesus or
Barabbas, and ultimately consents to the crowd's demand.
Scourging and Condemnation: The narrative describes a brutal
scourging and the mocking of Jesus by soldiers, including a
crown of thorns, a reed for a scepter, and a scarlet robe. Pilate presents Him to the crowd as “
Ecce Homo” (“Behold the man”), but they continue to call for
crucifixion. Pilate symbolically washes his hands and hands Jesus over for execution.
The Way of the Cross: Jesus carries His cross through
Jerusalem toward
Golgotha, falling several times. Key moments include encounters with His mother
Mary,
Simon of Cyrene assisting with the cross, and
Veronica wiping His face, said to have received an image of His features on
her veil.
Crucifixion and Death: At Golgotha, Jesus is crucified between two others. Emmerich's account includes details such as His
Seven Last Words, the repentance of the so-called “
good thief,” and the presence of Mary and
John at the cross. His death is described as being marked by supernatural signs—darkness, an earthquake, and the tearing of the Temple veil. A Roman soldier pierces His side, from which blood and water are said to flow.
Burial and Holy Saturday: Jesus’s body is taken down and mourned, especially by Mary, mother of Jesus. It is then prepared for burial by
Joseph of Arimathea and
Nicodemus and placed in a new
tomb, which is sealed and guarded. Emmerich recounts that on Holy Saturday, Jesus’s soul descends to the
realm of the dead to liberate righteous souls from earlier times.
Resurrection and Aftermath: According to the visions,
Jesus rises from the dead on Sunday morning. An angel is said to roll away the stone, causing fear among the guards. Jesus appears first to His mother, then to Mary Magdalene—who is told not to touch Him ("
Noli me tangere")—and later to other women. Peter and John find the tomb empty. Emmerich concludes with accounts of the authorities’ attempts to cover up the event and the growing faith among Jesus’s followers. == Impact ==