Stations of the Cross manuscript. For “Her Excellency” Gabriela Pandona.

[Manuscript]. Via Crucis Breve. Per uso di Sua Eccellenza La Sig.a D. Gabriela Pandona. S.l. [Italy]: s.n., s.a. [19th century]. 8vo [15.8 x 10.7 cm], [2] ff. blanks, [12] ff., [4] ff. banks, manuscript in black, red and green inks. Bound in contemporary gold-tooled and blind-stamped calf, initials “G. P.” gold-stamped on covers. Minor rubbing and edge wear to binding. A few minor stains internally.
 
 
19th-century Italian manuscript of the ‘Via Crucis,’ i.e., the ‘Way of the Cross’ or the ‘Stations of the Cross.’ The book was written “for the use of” a certain Gabriela Pandona (called “Her Excellency), and perhaps it was written out by her.
 
Devoutly following the 14 ‘stations’ on the ‘Via Crucis’ allowed the reader to contemplate the steps of Christ’s Passion as if following the actual route in Jerusalem. The manuscript opens with an ‘Act of Contrition.’ Following the 14 prayers of the Way of the Cross are additional prayers to the Most Holy Crucifix, the Archangel Gabriel, St. Joseph, and Mary.